Joe Neal Sanders Jr., 86, of San Antonio, passed away on March 06, 2025, after a short battle with heart disease. Joe was born on April 2, 1938, to the late Joe N. Sanders, Sr and Bertha Horton Sanders in Ripley, TN. He was the oldest of four children, Tommy Ray, Calvin, and Shirley Sanders. In 1953, while in high school, he met his future spouse, Elizabeth (Liz) Henning. The two high school sweethearts were wed June 16, 1956, going on to have four children: Micholas (Mike), Paula, Joe III (Neal), and Elizabeth (Carol).

Joe graduated from Lauderdale High School in Ripley, in May 1956 and immediately joined the United States Air Force in June of the same year. During his early years in the Air Force, he served as a Crypto Operator, from March 1957 to March 1966, he then served his country with distinction in the Vietnam War. Later in his military career, he transitioned to Social Action, where he served as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor. Joe retired from the Air Force in September 1979 after a long and dedicated career.

Joe's dedication to education was evident throughout his life. He earned a bachelor's degree from Culver-Stockton University while serving in the military; and later, after retiring, he completed his master's degree at Southwest Texas State (Texas State University).

Following his military service, Joe began a second career as a US Civil Servant. He worked as a Foreign Disclosure Officer until his final retirement in October 2000. Joe earned a number of commendations, medals, and awards during his military service including: the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

A long-standing member of Sherman African Methodist Episcopal Church, he served many years as the Steward Pro-Tem and was the Steward Pro-Tem Emiritus until his passing.

Joe was predeceased by his parents Joe, Sr., and Bertha Sanders. He is survived by his wife, Liz; Children: Mike, Paula, Neal, Carol; Goddaughter: Keisha [Jovon], Daughter-in-love: Connie; Godson Christopher Mitchell-Kelley, Grandchildren: Alvin Jr., Blair, Courtney, Melody, Porchia, Jasmine, Corey, Christina, Shania, JaQuane, Kyle and Mia; 21 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren; his siblings, Tommy Ray, Calvin, and Shirley; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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