Dear Listers, My precious father passed December 23, 2004. I'd like to share his obituary with you. It will appear in the FL Times Union on Sunday, Jan 2, 2005. ---------- John Milford Saunders, 92, passed into eternal life on Dec 23, 2004. A third generation native Floridian, eldest son of Baptist minister, John A Saunders and wife, Alma Victoria Parrish Saunders, and self-educated above the 8th grade, his accomplishments were many. After growing up in Middleburg, FL, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. Later he obtained his license to operate a tug boat and as such was in demand during the Second World War stateside. As a Captain in the Merchant Marines, he ran gasoline and supplies along the Eastern seaboard. After the War, he joined the City of Jacksonville Water Dept and rose to the position of Superintendent. He was the last person to blow �Big Jim� before it moved to the Southside. After enjoying retirement for a few years, he joined Gulf States Utilities as Superintendent for several years. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies for over 50 years as well as the Morocco Temple of the Shrine and Gay 90's Unit. He and his wife of 63 years (Dec 24, 1941) were devoted members of the Murray Hill Baptist Church in Jacksonville, where he served as a Deacon, for over 35 years before moving to TX in 1984. Survivors include his wife, Sarah, Humble, TX, daughter Patricia Ann Parkinson and husband, Oliver, Humble, TX; grandson, John M Parker and wife, Micah, Columbia, MO; granddaughter, Kathy Bruce and husband, Todd, Minneapolis, MN; great-grandchildren Kyla and Evan Parker and Ruby Bruce; brother, Clyde Saunders and wife Betty, Rome, GA; sister, Juanita Young, Tarpon Springs, FL and many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be Saturday, January 8, 11 am in the Chapel of Murray Hill Baptist Church with nephew Rev. Michael Young presiding. Entombment in Jacksonville Memory Gardens, Orange Park, FL. The family wishes to thank family and friends for all their kindness, love, care and concern for John, Sarah and family. He will be greatly missed . His strength, wisdom, ethics, love and patience live on in those who survive. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to Murray Hill Baptist Church, 4300 Post St, Jacksonville FL 32205. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail