Marion "M.J." Saunders

Marion Junious “M.J.” Saunders, 92, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025. He was born on October 18, 1933, in Camden, Tennessee, to the late Irene Troutt Saunders and Orville Saunders. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Sidney “Sid” Spence Saunders; his brothers, Wallace Saunders and Raymond Saunders; his sisters, Louise Ervin and Edna Eaton; and his niece, Kimberley Hensley.

M.J. proudly served over 20 years in the United States Navy, most notably during the Korean War as a vessel operator and in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee. He honorably retired as a Chief Petty Officer before setting his roots in Long Beach, Mississippi. During his distinguished service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. His years as a Navy Seabee—including his work on the construction at Subic Bay—stood as a testament to his strength, ingenuity, and deep sense of duty, qualities that defined his service and guided him throughout his life.

Outside the Navy, he found joy in spending time with family, working on his farm, tending his garden, and caring for his animals—most recently his beloved Huskies, Smokey and Sissy. He was blessed with the rare privilege of seeing five generations of his family gathered together during his lifetime.

He is survived by his son, Stephen “Steve” Saunders of Long Beach; his daughter, Bonita Saunders of Long Beach; his brother, Roger (Ann) Saunders of Indiana; and his sisters, Bertha Lee (Larry) Ragsdale of Indiana and Carol Weatherly of Tennessee.

Affectionately known as “Poppy,” he will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: Michelle (Joe) Saunders Simek of Pass Christian; Kerry Saunders of Illinois; Jim Saunders of Illinois; Stephanie Saunders of Indiana; and Melissa Saunders of Illinois.

He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren: McKenna (David) Curlee Orick; Brayden (Laura) Hanson; Maysa Hanson; Austin (Carleigh) Simek; Nick Simek; and Rachael (Seth) Simek Taylor; as well as his great-great-grandchildren: Bayne Hanson, Luca Hanson, Pax Orick, Avalynn Simek, and Alaina Taylor.

He will be remembered with love by his many nieces and nephews spanning multiple generations.

Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Rd., Long Beach, MS. A private family viewing will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a public visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A graveside service with military honors will follow the visitation at the Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Blvd., Biloxi, MS. Beginning at 1:30 PM.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored the serve the family at this time.