08/08/2026
Before there was Gray Station Hardware, there was the Gray Food Center on this same property many years ago. We at GSH express our sympathy to the family of Mr. Dale Sanders, who was the co-owner of the food center. Praying for you during the days ahead.
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
