Robert Maurice Saunders

Robert “Bob” Maurice Saunders passed peacefully into his heavenly home on September 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born in Washington, D.C., on August 4, 1934, Bob was the eighth of nine children to Raymond and Helen Cooper Saunders. At the age of twelve, he was saved by grace, beginning a lifelong walk of faith that guided every chapter of his life. In his younger years, he sang as part of the one-thousand-voice choir for Billy Graham and went on to serve faithfully in many roles within the church throughout his lifetime.

Bob proudly served in the D.C. National Guard from 1952 to 1961. He went on to build a long career with Norfolk Southern Railway, from which he later retired after 38 years of dedicated service.

In 1964, through his church, Bob met the love of his life, Betty Lucille Balkum. They were married in Maryland the following year, 1965. In 1970, they adopted their son, James Robert, who was the light of their world. Bob and Betty shared more than 40 years of marriage until her passing in 2008. Through her long illness, Bob devoted himself to her care, remaining faithfully by her side until her final breath.

Bob made his home in Smyrna, Georgia, for more than five decades, raising his family and putting down deep roots in the community. He became well known in the neighborhood for his flourishing gardens, where roses and tomatoes thrived under his care. He modeled a life full of patience and hard work in all his endeavors.

Beyond his work and service, Bob found joy in golf, duckpin bowling, and cheering for his beloved Atlanta Braves. But nothing brought him more happiness than time with his family. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, James and Jennifer Saunders, and his cherished grandchildren, Ashley and Alexander, who were the delight of his later years.

Visitation will be held at West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Friday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m., also at West Cobb.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in honor of Bob and Betty Saunders.