Mr. Johnny "Yogi Bear" Sanders

Mr. Johnny Sanders, affectionately known as "Yogi Bear" passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Atrium Navicent Health Medical Center, Macon, Georgia. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Samuel Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Eric T. Adams officiating. Interment was held in the church cemetery.

He was born on January 23, 1958 in Sandersville, Georgia to the parentage of the late Mrs. Helen Sanders-Hunt and Mr. Johnny Pinkston.

Yogi was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.

Deacon Sanders was a dedicated member of Samuel Grove Baptist Church.

He lived a full life. If you met him, you never forgot him.

He was a mild-mannered man that lived his life for the Lord and supporting his family. He was a giver, living his life by Matthew 6:3 “But when you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing [give in complete secrecy].”

Yogi was a selfless giver and a mentor to his sons and grandsons. He set an example to live by. He gave without asking for anything in return. Doing because it needed to be done. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.

Deacon Sanders leaves cherished memories, to his loving wife of thirty-one years: Mrs. Deborah Sanders (together for forty-six beautiful years); three sons: Mr. Derek (Sherrika) Sanders, Mr. Damion (Chelsea) Sanders both of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Nicolas (Sherniec) Sanders of Denver, Colorado; one daughter: Ms. Kandi Stephens of Sandersville, Georgia; stepfather: Mr. L. C. Hunt, Sr. of Sandersville, Georgia; siblings: Mr. James (Louise) Sanders, Mrs. Loretta (Calvin) Middleton, Mr. Jimmy (Tanya) Sanders, Mr. Bennie Sanders, Ms. Betty Pinkston all of Sandersville, Georgia, Mr. Joseph Bridges, Ms. Betty Hodges of Wrightsville, Georgia, Mr. L. C. Hunt, Jr. of Tennille, Georgia, Mrs. Rose Eva Walker of Sandersville, Georgia; sister-in-law: Mrs. Jacquelyn Sanders of Sandersville, Georgia; two brothers-in-law: Mr. Steve (Linda) Whitaker of Tennille, Georgia, Mr. Dan May of Toledo, Ohio; uncle: Mr. David " Uncle Bill" (Elizabeth) Sanders of Sandersville, Georgia; eight grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He will be truly missed

M. C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.