John Michael Saunders Sr.

1942 - 2025

John Michael Saunders, Sr., affectionately referred to as Mikey by his wife of 57 years left his much beloved family on Nov.12. He was predeceased by his parents, Adah Johnson and Robert Mayo Saunders; as well as by his brother, Robert Mayo Saunders, Jr.

Surviving Mike is his devoted wife, Janice Miller Saunders; son, John (Jay) Michael Saunders, Jr. (Yvonne); daughter, Jamie Saunders Beasley (Jim); grandsons, James Montford (Ford) Beasley and Joseph (Joey) Quinn Beasley; granddaughter, Grace Virginia Saunders. He is also survived by his siblings, Don Saunders and Kathi Pennington.

Mike, an incomparable character, lived a golden life. Adventures, fun times, and mischief began in early boyhood. For instance, one Christmas morning the fire department had to be called out to the Saunders' residence because young Mike and his buddies had set fire to an adjacent wheat field. The little rascals were playing a little too carelessly with their holiday sparklers.

In his youth, Mike rode his bike near and far, visiting boyhood friends and delivering his homemade cakes to his favorite teachers. During summer school vacations he enjoyed fulfilling stays with friends and relatives in Piney River. There in the country, Mike hunted birds and rode horses bareback. Such adventures in Piney River greatly broadened his horizons.

During the Vietnam War he was drafted into the Army. He served his country in the dental lab at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. The most positive part of that veteran experience was that Mike made several lifetime friends. On their off time, he and his pals played touch football, were members of the lab's golf team, and sometimes engaged in antics such as dancing around at the front door of Walter Reed.

As was the case at Walter Reed, for most of his life, Mike was involved in one sport or another. Early on, it became quite apparent that he was a gifted athlete. At Fleming High School in the 50's a scout came to watch him play baseball. Regrettably, as far as his teenage sports were concerned, Mike's dad severely limited his participation by requiring him to work after school in the family business. Despite this curtailment, Mike was able to have fun in weekend sports. He bowled and played pool frequently. He could hustle in both. He even became an East Coast champion in Putt Putt. In his adulthood, his ability in golf and racquetball was locally legendary. Also legendary were the scrumptious desserts he brought to share on golf trips.

Mike relished making desserts for other friends and for family too. Christmas was one of those times he baked a lot. In fact, Christmas was probably the only other thing that brought him as much joy as baking homemade desserts. It was his favorite holiday. In early December, he mailed out hundreds of cards. He also would sit for innumerable hours wrapping presents not only for his immediate family but for his family's friends. He delighted in bestowing surprise gifts, especially on his adored grandchildren. One of his biggest surprises, however, he sprang on his wife. He set up the Dr. Janice M. Saunders Scholarship at Roanoke College for students desiring to travel abroad but needing financial aid.

Despite his gruff exterior, Mike had a heart of gold. He was known for supporting neighbors in need. He doted on little children and dogs, who readily reciprocated his affection. He gave quite generously to St. Jude’s, his favorite charity, and to Operation Smile. He was kindhearted. With passion, he hated bullies. Also, Mike had a good sense of humor. For one thing, Mike savored telling overly long jokes. He remembered numerous ones, telling them with perfect detail to his charmed listeners.

Mike unabashedly wore shorts year-round, everywhere. He had little concern about his apparel. He never liked to put on airs or dress up. For instance, when he served as president of the Southeastern Dental Lab Conference, he was expected to wear a tie at business meetings and formal occasions. When he refused, the other officers bought him a clip-on bow tie and made him wear it when appropriate.

He often helped the employees in his company, Saunders Dental Laboratory, when they were in need. He highly valued them. Mike was president and general manager of the lab which he successfully ran for over a half century. He took great pride in this family business, making sure it was run with upmost quality, honesty, and integrity. In addition, he participated widely in regional dental lab organizations, such as state and national conferences. Mike, always supportive of the dental community, maintained his father's annual scholarship for dental students at the Medical College of Virginia.

Altogether, Mike's life was rich. He dedicated much of it to the family business. But beyond that, he had many interests and hobbies. He traveled far and wide. He visited U.S. presidents' homes and toured national parks, played bridge, and ate out with friends. He lived and breathed sports, especially golf and football. Topping all else though, he felt his greatest gifts in life were his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Please do not send flowers in remembrance of Mike but give to your favorite charity, his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to the Dr. Janice M. Saunders Scholarship at Roanoke College. A notification of a Celebration of Life will be sent out in the coming months.