Ronald James "Pops" Saunders

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, Ronald James Saunders, "Pops", husband of Marjorie Fleming Saunders, was called home to be with Jesus as he passed away peacefully at Prisma Health Tuomey. He was born on Tuesday, July 12, 1932, in Youngstown, OH, he was a son of the late Charles Avery and Lucinda Martin Saunders.
He attended the public schools of Mahoning County, Ohio, graduating from South High School in Youngstown in 1950. Shortly after graduating, Ronald enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country with dignity and honor having been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
In his youth, Ronald accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Youngstown. As a young man, he had a desire to help and gave assistance to several church organizations and worked diligently assisting wherever duties were needed. He also served as Junior Warden, maintaining the upkeep of the church. Ronald and his father, Charles, were instrumental in fundraising by holding a yearly church auction. It was always successful.
Ronald continued his education at Youngstown University in Youngstown, Ohio, graduating with a Bachelor in Engineering degree in 1957. He was always working and delivered newspapers to help pay his college tuition. Ron also participated with a playhouse, assisting in various theater productions. After graduation, he obtained employment with the City of Youngstown Corps of Engineer. He helped design many dams and bridges and retired after many years of loyal service.
After a successful career, Ron was active in his community and served in many civic organizations, including uniting his membership with Masonic Brotherly Love Lodge #99 and the NAACP, where he was a Life Member. He was kind, gentle and enjoyed assisting his fellow man. Ronald loved his family, friends, and co-workers and took great pride in enhancing the lives of many.
Ronald was married to the late Rita Louise Akins Saunders. Because of their appreciation of nature, they were world travelers experiencing many cultures. Some of their adventures included Rome, Paris, the Canary Islands, and Grand Canyon. Ron was especially impressed with The Holy Land. In his travels, he saw how beautiful Manning, SC was and relocated because of the favorable climate and lakes. Ron loved fishing and boating on his pontoon. He would sometimes take a boat trip as far as Savannah, GA. In 1999, sadly Rita Louis Akins Saunders passed away.
Ronald James Saunders was a lover of the Arts and a connoisseur of great food. He worked briefly as a waiter in 5-star restaurants just for the experience. In addition, he found classic movies and westerns entertainment Moreover, he was an avid football fan.
Ronald's personality and interests led him to a friendship with Majorie R. Fleming. He loved and adored his "Marge," and the friendship culminated into marriage in 2000. His travels continued with Marjorie to one of their favorite places, Hilton Head Island, SC. During their marriage, Ron became active in assisting in the funeral home business in whatever capacity he was needed. They were inseparable until his passing. He was a beacon in her life.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his devoted wife, Marjorie Fleming Saunders, of their home; son, Randy (Tina) Saunders, of Columbus, Ohio; stepsons Billie Fleming and Bobby Fleming both of Manning, SC; stepdaughter, Lyn Parm of Columbus, Ohio; a special grandson Torey (Stephanie) Park; four additional grandchildren, Tasha (Michael) Stovall, Diondre (Cierra) Walker, Jordan Saunders and Trey Warr; eleven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Grant of Youngstown, Ohio and Cynthia Picou of Covingston, LA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
There were services celebrating his life that took place on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 4:00pm from the Historic Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 105 Dinkins St., Manning, where the Rev. Clarence Hilton, Associate Pastor, presided. The Rev. Dr. Mitchell Adger, pastor of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Pawleys Island, brought words of comfort.
His graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 19, at Glen Rest Memorial Estates, 8029 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, at 11am, with military honors.
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