Donald Ray Saunders
Title
Donald Ray Saunders
Source
Willis Funeral Home
Date
November 9, 2024
Text
Donald Ray Saunders went to be with the Lord and join his beloved Mother and Father on Saturday, November 9, 2024. He was born on July 3, 1951, son of the late Ray and Doris Saunders.
He was a member of Okey Chapel Church where his mother instilled in him a love for the Lord and his family. Donald was a retired teacher and ball coach for Gallia County Schools and Symmes Valley Schools. Throughout his career, he instilled a love of learning, music, and sports in all his students. He will be sadly missed by his family and will forever have a seat in the stands among the crowd at South Gallia and Symmes Valley.
Donnie is survived by his life partner, Bonnie Patten; his son, Bradley (Alicia) Saunders; and his daughter, Missy (Chad) Ott. Also surviving are his greatest blessings, his grandchildren: Garrett (Amaya) Saunders, Maggie Saunders, Blaik Saunders, and Evan and Owen Ott. Donnie's step grandchildren, Addison, Dusty, and Alexa Mooney and two brothers, Terry (Paula) Saunders and Jeff (Debbie) Saunders also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Doris Saunders.
True leaders, like Donnie, never really leave us. As a coach, teacher, loving father, and dedicated grandfather, he shaped lives and inspired strength. His impact went beyond the games and the classroom; he built character, taught resilience, and led with unwavering faith. His love for the Lord was evident in the way he guided those around him with compassion, wisdom, and devotion. His love for the game, whether on the basketball court or football field, was matched only by his love for his family and his deep faith in the Lord. He didn't just teach the rules of the game; he taught the values of teamwork, resilience, and integrity. Legends like him never die; they live on in every heart they touch, in every life they guide, in their love for the game, and in the faith they instill in others. His legacy is a timeless reminder of a life lived with passion, purpose, and grace.
Community, friends, and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering for Donnie on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at South Gallia High School. A private family burial was observed by Donnie's family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to either South Gallia or Symmes Valley Athletic Funds.
He was a member of Okey Chapel Church where his mother instilled in him a love for the Lord and his family. Donald was a retired teacher and ball coach for Gallia County Schools and Symmes Valley Schools. Throughout his career, he instilled a love of learning, music, and sports in all his students. He will be sadly missed by his family and will forever have a seat in the stands among the crowd at South Gallia and Symmes Valley.
Donnie is survived by his life partner, Bonnie Patten; his son, Bradley (Alicia) Saunders; and his daughter, Missy (Chad) Ott. Also surviving are his greatest blessings, his grandchildren: Garrett (Amaya) Saunders, Maggie Saunders, Blaik Saunders, and Evan and Owen Ott. Donnie's step grandchildren, Addison, Dusty, and Alexa Mooney and two brothers, Terry (Paula) Saunders and Jeff (Debbie) Saunders also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Doris Saunders.
True leaders, like Donnie, never really leave us. As a coach, teacher, loving father, and dedicated grandfather, he shaped lives and inspired strength. His impact went beyond the games and the classroom; he built character, taught resilience, and led with unwavering faith. His love for the Lord was evident in the way he guided those around him with compassion, wisdom, and devotion. His love for the game, whether on the basketball court or football field, was matched only by his love for his family and his deep faith in the Lord. He didn't just teach the rules of the game; he taught the values of teamwork, resilience, and integrity. Legends like him never die; they live on in every heart they touch, in every life they guide, in their love for the game, and in the faith they instill in others. His legacy is a timeless reminder of a life lived with passion, purpose, and grace.
Community, friends, and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering for Donnie on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at South Gallia High School. A private family burial was observed by Donnie's family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to either South Gallia or Symmes Valley Athletic Funds.
Original Format
Collection
Citation
“Donald Ray Saunders,” Meigs County Library History Site, accessed November 25, 2024, https://history.meigslibrary.org/items/show/25603.