Larry Sanders, age 74, of Paducah passed away at 8:42 p.m. Thursday December 7, 2023 surrounded by loved ones at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center. Larry was born on March 21, 1949 to James Edward Sanders Sr. and Cora Mae Jones Sanders. After graduating from St. Mary High School in 1967, studying Horticulture for two years at Murray State University, and serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, Larry began full time employment at his family’s business. Larry was a respected businessman and owner of James Sanders Nursery from 1985 to 2006. Through the years leading and expanding the company, Larry has been an active member in community groups and has helped promote the green industry at the local, state, and national level. For his efforts, he was inducted into the prestigious KNLA Honorary Hall of Fame. The Sanders family was instrumental in the formation of the Hendron Fire Department, where Larry served on the board of trustees for many years. He also was a former member of Hendron Lions Club, served years on the Carson Park Board with involvement in the Saddlebred Horse Industry and the Paducah Symphony Orchestra Board where he ensured a beautiful landscape for the Carson Center.
Larry greatly loved his family and pets. He had a keen interest in gardening and developed beautiful flower combinations. In addition to being a nurseryman, Larry enjoyed flying, boating, and bird watching. He was an avid UK fan and followed politics closely. In retirement he developed a passion for cooking and preserving.
Survivors include wife of forty-nine years, Carolyn Walston Sanders; two daughters, Crystal Sanders (Travis Chandler) and Kelly Sanders-Dye (Chris); three grandchildren, Jack Dye, August Chandler, and Daisy Dye; two step-grandchildren, Kayle Hale and Trinity Chandler; two sisters, Margaret Futrell and Patti Sanders; one brother, James Edward Sanders Jr; brother-in-law, Dennis Walston (Beverly); nephew, Michael Walston; cousin, Jeffry Smith; several other cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death were his parents, James Edward Sanders Sr. and Core Mae Jones Sanders; one sister, Carolyn Thompson.
Visitation will be held Wednesday December 13, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until service time of 1:00 p.m. at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. Burial will follow at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Expression of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to the James and Cora Sanders Nursery/Landscape Research Endowment, 411 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508.
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