Ramon "Ray" Harry Sanderson

Ramon “Ray” Harry Sanderson, 91, a longtime resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Life Care Center of Columbia.

Services will be conducted on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Columbia First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stephen Sauls officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00am -1:00pm followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00pm. Military honors will be provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born on August 23, 1934, in Elroy, Wisconsin, Ray was the son of the late Raymond Adelbert Sanderson and the late Evelyn Isabelle Beckmark Sanderson. A graduate of Owen-Withee High School in Wisconsin, Ray answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his education at Bowling Green Business College, where he prepared for a distinguished career in accounting, later earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

On May 28, 1960, he married the love of his life, Carole Anne Blair. Together they built a beautiful marriage of more than sixty-six years, centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Ray enjoyed a successful career in partnership with Lester Bone and Joe Hundley (later merging with Kraft Brothers), where he was respected not only for his financial expertise; but, also for his honesty, wisdom, and professionalism.

Aside from traveling with Anne, Ray enjoyed reading, fishing, music, organizing his workshop (also referred to as putzing) and admiring his extensive collection of beer steins. A faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Ray lived out his faith through both worship and service. He was an active member of the Bruce Strothers Sunday School Class and generously volunteered his time with The People’s Table. In addition to his church family, he was active in Kiwanis, The Tennessee Society of CPAs, Gideons International and was distinguished as a Kentucky Colonel.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carole Anne Blair Sanderson of Columbia; his son, Brian (Kimberly) Sanderson of Columbia; his daughter, Ramona (Lyle) Mason of Beech Grove, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Andrew Sanderson, Shelby Mason (Trey) Walker, Elliott Sanderson, Carlyn Mason (Trent) Hopkins and Audrey Sanderson; and four great-grandchildren, Wyatt Walker, Valley Joy Walker, Hutton Hopkins, and Andrés Sanderson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jeannine Travelstead and Sandy Plank.

Honorary Pallbearers will be grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the Bruce Strothers Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Columbia, TN; FUMC’s Ramp Ministry, FUMC’s Kids Helping Kids, or Gideons International, Nashville, TN.