Billy Sanders

Billy Gene Sanders, Jr. of Waldron, Arkansas went home Friday, December 9, 2011 in a Fort Smith hospital surrounded by his family after a long battle with kidney illness. Billy was born January 25, 1954 in Mena, Arkansas to the late Billy Gene, Sr, and Doyce Louise (Rogers) Sanders. Billy was 57 years, 10 months, and 14 days old. Billy spent his whole life in the grocery business. He was the manager for Safeway for 20 years, Maddox for 10 years and Waldron Food Center for 10 years. When he was not working he loved the outdoors, just sitting on the lawn watching the birds and God?s creation. Billy also loved crappie fishing in his spare time. His hobby was collecting antiques and never missed the tv program ?Antique Road Show?. Even when he was not feeling, well he never missed the ?Show?. Above all Billy loved his family and thought the sun rose and set in his five grandsons. ?Pops?, as they called him, fought his illness to be able to spend time with those grandsons. Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory, one daughter, Summer Palacios of Waldron, Arkansas; one son, Patrick Sanders of Waldron, Arkansas. Pops is also survived by five grandchildren, Gavin Sanders, Jordan Sanders, Jose ?JJ? Palacios, Brandon Palacios, and Yavin Villarreal all of Waldron, Arkansas. Billy also leaves behind two siblings, one sister, Sonya Gaines and her husband Stephen of Lovenzo, Texas; and one brother, Phillip Sanders and his wife, Donnie Jo of Barling, Arkansas. He is also is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of many close friends. Billy?s celebration of life service will be Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jack Smith, officiating. Following the service Billy will be cremated and buried between his father and mother. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Billy?s visitation will be Monday, December 12, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron. His family will receive friends at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Billy?s family would like to say ?Thank You? to all of his caregivers at Fort Smith Regional Dialysis Center, Dr. Dana Rabideau, and Staff of fourth floor Central Sparks Regional Medical Center.

Billy Sanders

January 25, 1954 - December 9, 2011