Ernest Saunders (12-15-12)

HOSCHTON - Ernest Ray Saunders, 73, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2012, following a courageous battle against cancer.

He was the son of Ernest N. Saunders of Camdenton, Mo., and the late Ruth Gover Saunders. Mr. Saunders, a native of Missouri and a United States Army Veteran, loved traveling, the outdoors, fishing and anything to do with cars, especially his 1962 Corvette. He retired from a long career as a printer and business owner. He was a member of the Center United Methodist Church.

Survivors in addition to his father include his wife of 34 years, Margaret "Georgia" Saunders; a son, Dennis W. Smith, Jr., Dallas, Texas; daughter, Shelly Saunders Dampier, Milan, Mo.; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly R. and Steve Baran, Winder; daughter-in-law, Joni B. Smith, Seneca, S.C.; 11 grandchildren, Erin and Brett Fuller, Kacey Anne Banaszek, Kelly Baran, Cassi Dampier, Savana Dampier, Angelle Zeigler, Austin Zeigler, Devin Smith, Abigail Margaret Smith, Stella Smith; great-grandchild, Bentley Greybuffalo; and special friends, Umut Bulut, Texas, and Chris Meseke, Missouri.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, December 20, at the Center United Methodist Church, 7641 Jackson Trail Rd., Hoschton, GA 30548. Pastors Blane Spence and Glenn Parrish will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. at their residence, 5967 Jackson Trail Rd., Hoschton, on Wednesday, December 19.

Donations can be made to the church building fund.

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton.

www.lawsonfuneralhome.org.