John Price Saunders

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Friday, June 21, 2019
5:30-7:30 pm
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
5300 Stagecoach Road
Little Rock, AR  72204
Saturday, June 22, 2019
1 pm
Cemetery
Forest Hills Memorial Park
Highway 5 North
Alexander, AR  72002
I served in the Navy.
John Price SaundersI am a Veteran.

of Bryant, AR

January 6, 1934 - June 14, 2019

John Price Saunders, 85, of Little Rock, went to be with his Lord on June 14, 2019. He was born on January 6, 1934, in Buckner, Missouri to Berry and Nancy Saunders.
John held many titles during his long life. These included: pilot, referee, bus driver, carpenter, sailor, chaplain, teacher, counselor, preacher and pastor. There was never anything he was afraid to try and he excelled at whatever he set his mind upon. While many of his titles were hobbies and professions the titles he enjoyed most were those of husband, father and Papaw. He was a faithful and loving husband for 57 years and he was a devoted parent who ensured his children saw the heavenly Father through him and were given everything they needed to excel in life. The delight of his life was being a Papaw. He spent countless hours building toys and playing games with his grandchildren. He loved being with his family and he was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his first great grandson.

However, out of all the titles John held the one that defined him most was Child of the King. John accepted Christ as his savior as a young person and was called to preach while serving in the Navy in Japan as a Naval Air Controlman. The rest of his life was spent glorifying his Savior and telling others about Christ. Whether it was being a pastor, in the military, teaching at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Seminary, counseling families or serving as an interim pastor he showed them all it was about Jesus Christ and what He has done for us.
John is most remembered for his wonderful preaching, powerful prayers and the Memorial Day Services he led at many churches in Arkansas. He has touched thousands of lives in his 85 years. The people he led to Christ, the couples he taught to build Godly marriages and the families counseled into restoration are too many to list. Family, close friends and casual acquaintances alike loved him and respected him. ''Bro. John'' made a difference everywhere he went.
John graduated from Buckner High School in 1951 and received additional education at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock where he graduated in 1959 with a Doctorate in Bible Languages. Later he attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia AR where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1970 and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 1974 with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology.
John is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; Betty Sue. He is survived by his daughter; Rhonda Sanders (Rick), son; Ralph Saunders (Kathryn) Granddaughter; Samantha Vanderpool (Sheldon) and Grandson; Seth Sanders.
The family would like to thank the staff at Arkansas Hospice and Evergreen Living Center for the love, care and compassion they gave John. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in John's name to The Antioch Missionary Baptist Seminary, Little Rock, AR



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10 Condolence(s)
Hal Thompson
Newport News, VA
Liked
Saturday, February 13, 2021

I know that I am a year and a half late in offering Jennifer’s and my condolences. We met Chaplain John when he was assigned as Chaplain at the Naval Support activity in New Orleans. Chaplain John taught us, baptized us, and discipled us as young marrieds in the early eighties. He was a blessing to us and an encourager. We look forward to seeing Betty and him in the presence of the Father in years to come.

Edgar N. (Eddie) Sutton
Alexander, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 27, 2019

I was blessed to have Bro. Saunders as my long time friend in
the ministry. I remembered how he and Betty enjoyed the
ABA meetings. I am so sorry I was not able to be at the
funeral service because I was in Knoxville, TN working on
the 94th session of the Messenger Assembly of the ABA.
May God bless you all as you face the days ahead.

Jane Caporal
,
Liked
Thursday, June 20, 2019

Our sincerest sympathies to brother-in-law Ralph and all his family. Your father John was a kind and wonderful gentleman who did not hesitate to come to australia and offer moral and spiritual support on the sudden death of our mother. We will always remember your strength! We pray with you
Jane

Freda Vent
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Bro John baptized my husband at70 years of age, when you meet him in Heaven tell him I'm on my way

Bro. Sid & Charlotte Ree
Fort Smith, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 18, 2019

To the family,

Bro. Saunders was one of the grandest gentlemen I ever met. I got to know him while in Mississippi while he was stationed at the Meridian Naval Air Station. I count it an honor to have known him. Know that you are in our prayers during tour time of loss and need. God bless

Bro. Sid and Charlotte Ree

Terry Bewley
Conway, AR
Liked
Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Bro John was my teacher, mentor and friend. I am serving in the Navy as a Chaplain today in large part due to his influence. He was a caring man that will be missed. I am currently on orders in Hawaii and can’t attend his funeral. My thoughts an prayers are with his family.

Bro. Roger and Gena Stewart
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, June 17, 2019

Paula Roddy
Melbourne, AR
Liked
Monday, June 17, 2019

Sorry for your loss
Sincere sympathy
Paula Roddy

Jan Browning
Bryant, AR
Liked
Monday, June 17, 2019

Truly, everyone who met Bro. John immediately loved him! He was a wonderful example of a man of God, leader, father figure, and friend. My heart goes out to those who will miss his presence. You are in my prayers. However, I'm glad that he, as he would say, 'received his greatest promotion' and is now with his beloved Betty - at the feet of his Savior. Thank you, Bro. John. You left this world a better than you found it!

Barbara and Bret Aldridge
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Sunday, June 16, 2019

Our condolences to the family of Brother John. We loved him very much and have great memories of him. I love that he reminded us to honor those who served and died in the military. And he did so in a God honoring way so that we also remember from whom all blessings flow. He was truly a blessing to our family and we will always remember him fondly.