FRANKLIN – John (Jay) Quince Sanders, passed away at his home on Feb. 22 at age 91. Jay was born July 22, 1929 to Jesse L. and Ida F. (Shope) Sanders. He was a fifth generation Maconian who lived most of his life on the old family farm located in the vicinity of the north fork of Skeenah Creek.
Jay was preceded in death by his youngest son Jeffrey, grandson Jason Friedling, and ten of 12 siblings. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Betty Henson Sanders, children Mike (Carol), Sharon (Kevin) Cates, grandchildren Devan, Kayla, and Autumn Sanders, Brianna Stewart, and Joseph Friedling, great-grandsons Jacob and James Friedling, sisters Olivia Reese and Amelia Trull, and aunt Mildred (Shope) Swofford. Jay also leaves behind several step-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and special family friends, including June Hodgin.
We will miss the stories of his childhood/teenage years; for instance, hunting with his grandfather Zeb Shope and his prized fox hounds, walking to the movie theater in town and back in the dark, and the grand adventure of moving to the Hampton Roads, Virginia area during WWII, when his dad worked in the shipyards.
Jay spent time in Michigan working in the auto industry and in residential construction. He was an accomplished brick mason and carpenter; and possessed all skills necessary to build a home from the ground up. Jay had a long career as a supervisor for Haywood Contracting Company, heading work crews in the construction of many commercial and government buildings stretching from Clay to Buncombe counties. He was heavily involved in the Angel Hospital expansion project and the conversion of the Biltmore dairy facilities into the Biltmore Winery. Jay was a good provider for his family, but sometimes his dedication to his work was over the top. Family drives on Sunday were usually an excuse to visit the current job site! John Quince Sanders lived a long life, was loved, and is now with his family and friends who have passed on. Until we see him again, those who remain will miss him.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Sanders family. Condolences can be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com