Joseph Saunderson, Jr.

Joe Saunderson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 25, 2024. He was 81.

Born on November 3, 1942, to Joseph and Phyllis Saunderson at Adventist Hospital in Tacoma Park.  Joe graduated from Sherwood High School in 1960, where he played on the baseball and basketball teams. He went to Montgomery College, then married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Tracy Saunderson, who he had met at the Junior High Soda Pop Hop!  They were voted “Best All Around Couple” in high school and lived it out in 61 years of marriage.

Joe earned a reputation as a top estimator in mechanical contracting over the years.  He started his career working in his father’s business, AK & S.  He went on to work at Keller-May, Clark Construction and Shapiro & Duncan.

Always the gentleman, Joe was loved by everyone for his infectious smile, big hugs and great wit.  He was always ready to help someone with plumbing or anything that needed to be fixed; he always showed up!  His favorite things to do were fishing, hunting, talking baseball and sitting on the back porch at the beach with his bride.

Joe and Joyce have lived in their Highland home since 1979.  It had been a dream of his to build his own house, so that is what he did. Over the years, he continued to customize it and landscape the beautiful yard.  He and Joyce filled it with love, hosting many family parties, cook-outs and every Christmas party.

Joe, also known as “Joe Joe,” adored being a grandfather.  He loved cheering his nine grandchildren on at their sports events: baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, volleyball.  He was crazy proud of all of them.  In recent years, he loved the great grandchildren coming over to visit, climbing into his lap, playing catch, taking walks and eating cookies.

Joe trusted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He and Joyce were faithful members of Mt. Zion UMC where they worshiped for the last 45 years.

His family is missing everything about Joe, but take great comfort that he is finally in his eternal home with Jesus and loved ones that went before him.  He held on to the verse “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  He said it’s a “Win-Win!”  He is no longer suffering; in fact, he is living his best life! Just think of the fish he is catching on that great celestial shore!

Joe is survived by his bride, Joyce Tracy Saunderson, his daughter Tracy Morris (Dale), his sons Patrick Saunderson (Karen) and Evan Saunderson. Grandchildren:  Christopher, Shelby, Cody, Kyle, Brooke, Ryan, Jack, Reilly, and Joan.  Great-grandchildren:  Sadie Jo, Ryder, Mills, Hallie, and Scarlett.  He is predeceased by his parents Joe and Phyllis, sister Arla and daughter-in-love, Siobhan.

Relatives and friends are invited to A Celebration of Life at Mt. Zion UMC in Highland on Friday, November 22.  Visitation will be in the chapel 10-11 am.  The Celebration of Life will be in the sanctuary at 11:30 am.  A lunch reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In honor of Joe, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse NC Hurricane/Flood Relief fund at the following link: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/joe-saunderson-highland-md/

Or the Colesville Cemetery Association Fund, Box 435, Spencerville, MD  20868.

Joe served families in NC flood relief and faithfully served the Colesville cemetery for years.