Dale “Slab” Roger Sanders, 81, of Jonesborough, TN, went to be with the Lord Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center.
He was born Oct. 15, 1944, at his parents’ residence in Sulphur Springs.
Dale was a 1962 graduate of Sulphur Springs High School, where he played basketball. In his early years, he worked as a milkman for Farm Best (Pinemont Dairy). He helped organize and start Daniel Boone Little League. Coaching young players was a passion of his for several years. Later, he co-owned a staple grocery store, the Gray Food Center, located in Gray for over 20 years. Over those years, he welcomed numerous Boone students into his workplace, taking pride in teaching them and watching them grow.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found great joy in the outdoors. He was a member of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation (NWTF). He especially enjoyed traveling for hunting and fishing trips, making cherished memories along the way with family and friends.
He was a faithful attendee of Daniel Boone High School sports since its opening in 1971. Dale served as a basketball statistician for the late Bobby Snyder and as the manager of the chain gang for football Friday nights. He was inducted into the Daniel Boone Hall of Fame as a special contributor in 2017.
Most of his life was spent doing what he loved best, farming. He carried on the farming tradition of his Sanders family heritage. He was a faithful member of the Washington County Cattleman’s Association. He won the Washington County Cattle Producer of the year in 2006. He spent many hours hanging out at the Trailblazer playing Rook with his farming buddies.
He was a member of Pleasant Valley Covenant Brethren Church. He lived by the verse, “Walk by faith not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Jackson Sanders; his mother, Sarah Eva Goodman Sanders; a sister, Carolyn Sanders; a brother, Lyndell Sanders; and brother-in-law, Raymond “Bruce” White.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Brenda Presley Sanders; son, Roger Sanders (Kim); daughter, Lori Jenkins (Jeremy); sister, Janice Sanders White; brother, Gary Sanders (Kathy); three grandsons, Ryan (Bailee) Sanders; Reid Sanders; Jackson Jenkins; granddaughter, Josie Jenkins; a great-granddaughter, Hadley Grey Sanders; several nieces and nephews, and a special family member, Darrin Sherfey.
The family will receive friends Monday, August 10, 2026, 4:00-7:00 pm, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, with funeral services to follow at 7:00 pm. Graveside will be held at Fairview Cemetery on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:30 am.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Bacon, Joe Bacon, Jacky Sanders, Wesley Storey, Ryan Sanders, Reid Sanders, Jackson Jenkins, and Jeremy Jenkins
Honorary Pallbearers: Darrin Sherfey, Benny Massengill, Brian Sanders, Mike Sanders, Rick Wagner, Roy Wagner, Frank Watkins, and Robert L. Hodges III
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pleasant Valley Covenant Brethren Church at 3150 Brethren Church Road, Jonesborough.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
I remember Dale as a young child. We went to elementary school together at Sulpher Springs in the early 50s. He was easy going and a good friend. I moved away in the 5th grade. As I looked at his picture I could remember his friendly smile. My condolence to his family.
08/11/2026
DEAN BAGGETT
To the Sanders family so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Sanders.Great man an just wanted to send my condolences.RIP Mr.Sanders!
08/11/2026
Glenda Honeycutt
Dale was such a good man, and a highly respected man all through the years. I will always remember him at the Boone games until his health became bad. Such a good person. Brenda, Janice and Lori, you and all the family are in my prayers.
08/10/2026
Sherry Shadden
This world has lost a good man. Dale was always friendly, kind and considerate. He will be missed. Blessings to Brenda and family, Janice and Gary!
08/10/2026
Tommy Head
Sorry to hear this but he's in a better place now. He gave me my first job I remember when I didn't work in the store he would take me to work in the hay field had a lot of good times with him. God Bless his family!
08/10/2026
Kim & Connie Carter
Dale was a kind and good man. A good neighbor and always smiling. He will be missed. Praying for his family and friends.
08/09/2026
Henry Hall
Dale was a kind and humble man a good friend that will be missed by alot
Dale was a kind and humble person and a good friend he will be missed by many people you may be gone but not forgotten rest in peace good friend.
08/09/2026
Steve and Stacie Davis
Dale was a blessing. His tender heart and kindness was shared in many ways. Prayers for Brenda and family for comfort. We will miss his bright shining light at church. It was a pleasure to know such a man as Dale.
08/09/2026
Mary Birdwell
So sorry to hear about Mr Dale. He was a kind and wonderful person. I knew him while working at Kingsport Livestock Auction. Thoughts and especially my prayers are with the Sanders family.
08/09/2026
Sharon Squibb
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the entire Sanders family. Dale was a deeply loved and respected member of the Sulphur Springs community and beyond. I appreciated his kindness, humor, and friendship with our family. My father thought the world of him and I'm sure they shared many a story and laugh every morning at the Rook gathering. He always gave me a wave when he drove past the house in his truck when he was checking his fields and livestock. He will be missed. He was a good one. ❤️
08/09/2026
Judy Hilbert
Great friend to our family, he will be missed. Willie love playing rook with Dale. at the marathon store..keeping the family in my prayers.
08/08/2026
Becky Kyker Richardson
I am so very sorry for the family's loss, may the Lord wrap his arms around you all and bring you comfort.
08/08/2026
kirk davis
he was a great guy always kind and friendly to everyone.
08/08/2026
Benny and Jenny Massengill
Our sincere condolences to Brenda and his whole family. We've known Dale for many years and he was a good friend, kind and generous. He was always willing to help everyone. You will be missed our friend! We know this is not goodbye and we will see you again! Rest in peace.
08/08/2026
Larry Barr
So sorry for your loss and the loss of a pillar of our community. Dale will be remembered by countless people for all the contributions he made to the community and Daniel Boone High School. I counted Dale as a friend. Know that Betty and I are keeping the family in our prayers. Take peace in knowing that he is in a place far better than this life. He has begun a life never ending. May God be your strength.
08/08/2026
Carol Music
Dale was a good man. My thoughts & prayers are with each of you
