Deacon Lue Melvin Saunders

“For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Deacon Lue Melvin Saunders entered into eternal rest on January 18, 2021 at his home with his family by his side.
Deacon Saunders was born on June 22, 1930 to the late William and Frances Saunders in Baltimore, MD. He was educated in the Westmoreland County Schools in VA.
Deacon Saunders accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Grant’s Hill Baptist Church. He later changed his membership and became a member of the Little Zion Baptist Church Family. While at Grant’s Hill, he was an active member and served as Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry, Senior Usher Ministry President, Member of the Missionary Ministry, Kitchen Committee, Men’s Chorus President, and Superintendent of Sunday School. He was a graduate of the Faith Bible Institute under the leadership of Pastor Claude Tate. He was truly a man of God who enjoyed Bible Study and reading his bible.
Deacon Saunders was a true missionary. He found joy in visiting the sick and bereaved families. He loved helping those who needed rides to the doctor and grocery store. He also enjoyed visiting neighboring churches during revivals and Sunday School Unions just to fellowship. He shared vegetables from his garden and his financial gifts.
Deacon Saunders joined the U. S. Army and served in the Korean War where he earned the Korean Service Medal and two bronze stars. He retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren after 32 years serving in various roles. He also volunteered at the Oak Grove Fire Department faithfully for 12 years. He obtained the rank of captain before retiring from the Fire Department.
Deacon Saunders was married to his loving and devoted wife Thelma for 66 years. He enjoyed fishing with Thelma, working in his beautiful garden, watching golf & wrestling on the television, playing his guitar, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family and took the best care of them.
Two sons preceded him in death, Jerry and Wayne Saunders; three brothers, Barnaby Roy, William Saunders, and Edward Saunders; and two sisters, Catherine Byrd and Frances Saunders.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Thelma; four sons, Oliver Jones (Jacqueline), Melvin Saunders (Dothea), Larry Saunders (Irene) and Jerome Saunders (Crystal); two daughters, Diana Ashton (Thomas) and Betty Wood (Kip); a devoted daughter-in-law Melissa Saunders, 19 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, his brother, Lewis Saunders (Rachel), numerous brother and sister in-laws; nieces and nephews; other extended family members, close family, friends and Grant’s Hill and Little Zion Church families.