FRANKLIN - Rev. Ernie Blanchard Sanders, slipped his earthy bonds to enter his heavenly home Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. He was 83.
Ernie was born in Franklin on February 23, 1938, to Nina Margaret Moffitt Sanders and Rev. James Andrew Benjamin Sanders. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife, Nellie Ruth Sanders; three brothers, Ralph (Thelma), Billy (Joyce) and Joel (Dianne), all of Franklin; two sons, Victor (Gina) of Murphy, and Vance (Rachel) of Franklin; stepson Gary Owens (Evelyn); 10 grandchildren, April Sanders Tippett (Shayne), Daniel Sanders (Jessica Wilson), Savannah Sanders, and Molly Sanders, all of Franklin, Logan Sanders (Liesel Sunderman) and Jacob Sanders, of Eugene, Oregon, Breanna Sanders of Whiteville, Chase and Colton Sanders, and Hailey Townson of Murphy, and Matthew Owens (April) of Franklin; seven great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Hoagland, Saulyer and Zayden Sanders, and Shelby Ruth Owens of Franklin and Braxton, Jack, and Sailor Turner of Whiteville.
Ernie was preceded in death by his beloved son, Darren Lane Sanders.
Ernie was an ordained Baptist minister. He began his ministry in 1961. During his long career, he pastored the following Baptist churches in Franklin: East Franklin, West Franklin, Oak Grove, Ellijay, Pleasant Hill, and Mashburn Branch. He also twice pastored Marble Springs Baptist Church in Marble. Ernie loved the Lord and spreading the gospel. He could light up a church with his fiery oratory, Biblical knowledge, and passion for spreading God’s word. Through his testimony, and by his example, he led the way for hundreds to accept Christ as savior. No doubt, he will hold a special place in heaven, where he will join his father and mother, many relatives, son, Darren, and his first wife (and the mother of his three sons), Virginia McCall, who passed away in 2003.
Ernie’s family will always remember his loving spirit, humor, quick wit, devotion to his family, and competitiveness in everything from playing golf to playing cards. With his passing, Ernie joins in heaven his golfing buddies, Norman Seay, Grady Corbin, and Roscoe Lewis. Let the golfing begin.
A visitation was held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at 1 p.m. A celebration of life, led by Rev. Don Moffitt and Rev. Jason Smith, followed.
Pallbearers were Bill McConnell, Daniel Sanders, Jim Sorgi, Shayne Tippett, Colton Sanders, and Matthew Owens. Honorary pallbearers are Bud Moffitt and Dearl Ledford. Ministers of any denomination were invited to Ernie’s service as honorary pallbearers.
Ernie’s family wishes to thank all those who kept Ernie and his family in prayer, Reverend Don Moffitt, Reverend Jason Smith, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conrad Hefner, and Moffitt Family Funeral Care. Online condolences may be made at www.moffittfamilyfuneralcare.com.