Billy Mack Sanders

Billy Mack Sanders, born May 21, 1940, in the Badger Lee community near Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was the beloved son of Oleta Charlene (Davis) and Mose Foch Sanders. He passed away on December 20, 2024, in Henryetta, Oklahoma.

Bill was married to Jeanie (Calhoun) Sanders in the Brent community of Oklahoma. Their marriage of 61 years was a testament to their love, which remained strong even after Jeanie’s passing in 2021. Bill dedicated over 31 years of his life as a union carpenter for Manhatten Construction, where he contributed significantly to various notable projects, including the Promenade Mall, Oral Roberts University, and St. John’s and St. Francis Hospitals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as Robert S. Kerr Dam, Redbird Clinic in Sallisaw, and Oolagah Power Plant.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill had a deep passion for nature and family. He loved to hunt and fish, yet he found his greatest joy in cultivating a beautiful garden and every color of Iris for his Jeanie. An artist at heart, he crafted wooden whistles for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cut out works of art from newspapers.

Bill is survived by his three daughters, Sherree Reid and Roy of Coweta, Oklahoma; Marlia Ballard and Scott McDaniel of Durant, Oklahoma; and Billie Jo Claunts and John of Muskogee, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind his son, Michael Sanders and Michelle of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, along with nine cherished grandchildren: Chad Reid and Whitney of Coweta, OK, Marlissa Sheffield and Beau of Coweta, OK, Sara Furr and Kile of Shawnee, OK, Keach Ballard and Rheagan of Durant, OK, Brandon Young and Shannon of Arlington, WA, Ashley Keath and John of Sallisaw, OK, Myka Rhodes and Brandon of Purcell, OK, Kristin Cranford and Zac of Van Buren, AR and Johnathon Mack Sanders of Sallisaw, OK; Bill was a proud grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren: Lilly, Zoe, Vivian, Braxton, Reese, Karsten, Demi, Amadeus, Malachi, Adoniah, Fysher, Beau, Phinley, Lyla, Lincoln, and Miles.

He is also survived by two sisters, Helen Fields and Judy Webb and husband Larry. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, sister Sandra Jean Coday, and brothers Terry C. Sanders and Mose Sanders.

A funeral service in honor of Billy Mack Sanders will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at McCoy Ford Cemetery in Sallisaw, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Proudly serving as active pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Chad Reid, Marlissa Sheffield, Sara Furr, Keach Ballard, Brandon Young, Ashley Keath, Myka Rhodes, Kristin Cranford and Johnathon Mack Sanders. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Webb, Johnny Walkingstick, Terry Pruitt, John William Adair and members of the First Baptist Church Sunday School Class taught by Ray Sparks.

Viewing will be held 2 - 8 PM Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home where the family will receive visitors from 6 PM - 8 PM.