Obituary of Ricky J. Sanders

Ricky J. Sanders, age 64 of Gruetli-Laager, TN passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones on July 23rd, 2023. 

He was born April 21st, in Grundy County, TN to parents, Albert Jr. and Helen O. Sanders who preceded him in death, along with his sisters Rita Kay Sanders and Sandra Singleton; brothers Myron, Dennis, Tom and Mikey Sanders. 

Ricky was a retired small business owner and a former custodian for the Grundy County School System. 

His most cherished talent was guitar pickin' and singing. Rick's father, having come from a musical family, played several instruments himself and handed down his talent to Ricky and older sister Kay. Rick learned to play guitar at an early age on an old instrument he acquired in a trade with a young schoolmate for an old bicycle he had cobbled together. First playing in public at school functions such as the dedication program for the opening of Swiss Memorial School which he began attending in the seventh grade, he would later join some friends in the country band, Southern Tradition and play dances and shows locally and around the surrounding counties. If invited, he was always happy to show up with a grin and his guitar. Friends enjoyed his rich baritone voice on those old country classic songs he loved to sing. 

His memory will be kept alive by his daughter and son-in-law, Miranda and Bryan Rippy of Gruetli-Laager, TN with bonus grandchildren, Rylee and Autumn and great grandchild, Jett as well as his siblings, Karen Sanders, Mildred Borne, Andy Sanders and Donna Nunley along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friend, Jim Sartain. 

Per his wishes, there will be a memorial ceremony with ash release at 981 20th Avenue South in Gruetli-Laager on October 8th, 2023 at noon. Come celebrate, dress comfortably, and bring a chair.