Mark Sanders

Mark Steven Sanders was born on June 18, 1947. He was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he lived and died as a proud Tennessean.

As a young boy, Mark was a member of Gracey Avenue Baptist Church, where he met friends that would remain friends for his entire life.

In ninth grade Mark began to play football for the Greenwood Bears. When chosen as a member of the team he was on top of the world, thus beginning his love for football.  He continued to play football at Clarksville High School, where he met other life long friends. Mark also worked for a local grocery where he continued to build friendships that lasted a lifetime. Mark's friendships were built thru Church, school, football, hunting, and fishing. He considered himself lucky for having the same group of friends for his entire life. There were so many memories and stories  that came along with these friends- and boy there were so many stories!

He spoke often about running thru the fields at night chasing a coon dog and sleeping on the river bank. He had more memories of learning to shoot a gun at 6 years old while squirrel hunting with his Granddaddy Sanders.

Mark started deer hunting in his teens with his father, uncle, and buddies.  If it was deer season Mark was in the woods. He was hoping to continue that tradition in another month or so. Mark introduced his grandson to one of his favorite hobbies. He was as excited as Jacob was, when Jake shot his first deer. That was a proud granddaddy moment.

Mark and Jennifer spent 5 years of summers and weekends on Chipmunk Ct in Leatherwood.

In later years Mark enjoyed fishing trips to the lake with his buddies. There were always tall tales told.

Mark loved Tennessee Football. He was a Tennessee Football fan since he was a teenager, always loyal and supportive of his beloved team. He watched his last game Saturday, October 1st. Although he couldn't talk at the time, I know he was cheering like a Wildman when Tennessee beat Georgia.

Mark loved his family. Holidays, family, reunions, and family traditions were important to him.  Anything that brought the promise of Hope's coconut cake put a smile on his face.

Mark was a country boy and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, family, friends, and we can't forget the food.

Online condolences may be made at sykesfuneralhome.com