Stephen Francis Saunders

1946 - 2017

Stephen Francis Saunders, 70, died peacefully Thursday September 14, 2017 at Hospice Savannah with his wife Annelle by his side.

Stephen was born November 4, 1946 in Savannah, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his mother Theresa Cooper Saunders, his father Arthur Lloyd Saunders Jr, and his sister Rose Marie Saunders. He attended Cathedral Day School and was a 1964 graduate of Benedictine Military School. He was proud to be part of the first graduating class of the new school on Seawright Dr., and proud of the lasting friendships he made in school. He was an outstanding athlete who played all 4 years at Benedictine and lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He was All City in basketball 1963-1964. He graduated in 1968 from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in Business. He retired from Sperry and Hutchinson Company as a field auditor.

He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Council 631. He was a member of Hibernian of Savannah, Irish Heritage Society, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and a past member of the Savannah Quarterback Club. He was proud of his Irish heritage. He loved St. Patrick's Day, walking in the parade and sharing that day with many family and friends. He loved his family, friends, faith, Benedictine, UGA football, and Duke Basketball. Even though he had many health issues through the years and was a two-time kidney transplant recipient, he always kept his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 39 years Annelle Smith Saunders, daughters Kelly Marie Saunders and Kathleen Patricia Saunders. His brothers Lloyd Saunders, Larry Saunders and his wife Melinda Paige Saunders and Vincent Saunders. His sisters Therese Saunders Leonard, Patricia Saunders Mizelle and her husband Edward Mizelle, and Mary Agnes Saunders McDonough and her husband Bernard McDonough of Savannah. Brother in law Glen Smith and his wife Lynn Taylor Smith. Cousin Dennis Lales and special cousin Michael Kilpatrick and his wife Carol.

Many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends.

The family will receive friends Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 4 pm until 6:30 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The Rosary Service will follow at 6:30.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am, Monday, September 18, 2017 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Msgr. P. James Costigan, Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Catholic Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 or Hospice Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com