John R.

Saunders

John R. Saunders, 81, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 15, 2018. He was born in Newport News, Virginia on September 12, 1937 to Curt and Edna Saunders. John served in the National Guard and retired from Newport News Shipbuilding after nearly 40 years of service as a pipefitter. In his spare time, John enjoyed fishing, painting, and singing gospel and bluegrass music in churches throughout Hampton Roads. John was affectionately known as "Paw Paw" by his grandchildren and loved spending time with them.
John is preceded in death by his sister, Betty Saunders; sister, Lettie Mae Cooke; and brother, Wayne Saunders. He is survived by his wife, Connie Brown Saunders; daughter, Debbie Land, and husband, Raven; son, David Saunders; son, Doug Saunders, and wife, Jeannie; stepdaughter, Patricia Golinksi and husband, David; grandson, Justin Land, and wife, Heather; granddaughter, Angela Davis, and husband, Josh; grandson, David "Bobby" Saunders, and girlfriend, Heather Hartman; grandson, Ben Saunders, and wife, Steph; great-granddaughter, Kinsley Paige Davis; brother, Walter Saunders, and wife, Eva Mae; and sister, Vernell Bateman.
The family will hold visitation at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Newport News on Monday, November 19 th from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at W .J. Smith & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 20th, 2018 at 2:00 PM followed by Interment at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com