Phil Winston Sanders

February 15, 1961 – February 20, 2024

Services

Friday, March 1, 2024

Public Viewing: 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Saturday, March 2, 2024

Family Visitation: 10:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M.

Held at

Allen Chapel AME Church

224 South Maney Avenue

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Interment

Evergreen Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Click link to view video

Phil Winston Sanders’ Video

Phil W. Sanders was born in Murfreesboro, TN on February 15, 1961, to Tommy Lee Benford and Daisy Lee Sanders. He departed this life on February 20, 2024, at the age of 63.

Phil was a graduate of Riverdale High School. He was employed at Middle Tennessee State University, Common Care Of Rutherford County, and NorthSide Assisted Living. Phil’s devoted service to Allen Chapel A.M.E. covered the span of 50 years. No matter his occupation, Phil gave his best and he would stand out because of it. He was gifted at creating connections with people that would last years.

Phil loved God, his church and his family. The stories of the level of commitment and love shown to his church, many families, and the community, could cover hours. From the days of driving the church bus for Sunday services to picking children up for vacation bible school during the summers. To Phil, organizing an Easter egg hunt for the kids was just as important as organizing a Men’s Day celebration for the men. He enjoyed serving people and being prepared. Phil would start planning for the next event, during an event or right after it. When it came to organizing a kitchen, HE COULDN’T BE TOUCHED! Just wait for instructions or stand out of the way. Mostly, GIVING…was his second nature. He gave his time, his advice, and his finances, all willingly to so many, just to see someone else be better. Ending a supportive conversation with his signature phrase…”Hey.” “KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.”

He enjoyed cooking, growing his flowers, and entertaining people. He was truly a light in the room and a person of excellence. We are pretty sure he got the recipe from Heaven. If you ever had his Chess Pie or Mac-N-Chess, then you understand how much those will be truly missed. In his younger days, he could roller skate better than most could walk. Known to many for his quick wit, outspoken personality, and sometimes brutal honesty. We knew it was all in love. An amazing friend, caregiver, father, uncle, brother…and man. Truly the G.O.A.T. (GIVER OF ALL TIME)

He is preceded in death by his Mother, Daisy Sanders; Father, Tommy Lee Benford; Grandfather, John Sanders; Brothers & Sisters, Eddie Sanders, Carolyn Sanders, Glenda Sanders, Marlena Woods, James Benford, Sherrie Benford, Rodney Benford, and Wanda Benford

Left to cherish his memory are, Children: RaNatta Sanders, Daniel Sanders, Anthony Robinson; Brothers & Sisters, Daisy S. Neal, Charles Sanders, Corrine Sanders, Brenda Sanders, Janice Josiah, Wayne Andrews, Stevie Sanders, Tomie Sanders, Tracy Robinson, Crystal/Victor Hockett, Melvin Benford, Patricia Smith, Reginald Benford, Samuel Benford, Teresa Sanders, Cassandra Benford, Pearl Vanor, Alonzo Fishback, Polly Baxter, JoeSammy Gooch; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.