William "Earl" Saunders, 93, left his earthly home to be with the lord on January 29, 2022. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Earl was born to the late TB & Jessie Saunders on May 12, 1928 in the Hurricane community. He was immersed in his Christian faith being a missionary Baptist preacher for 54 years. He was a member of the Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Stuttgart. Earl was a lifelong farmer; he also enjoyed fishing, trapping, gardening, and building things. He devoted his life to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone he could. He enjoyed pastoring and building relationships with God's people.

Earl was blessed with a loving family. He married his best friend, Mary "Geraldine" Gray on November 20, 1946 in Roe, AR. They were blessed with 2 children, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren, and 2 step great great-grandchildren. From the beginning Earl was devoted to teaching his family about the lord.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; TB & Jessie Saunders, son- Marvin Saunders, daughter- Marilyn Smith, grand-daughter- Jill Saunders, grandson- Dewayne Saunders, brothers Earnest Saunders, Orville Saunders, and a sister Doris Hackelton.

Earl is survived by his wife of 75 years, Geraldine, son-in-law, Earl Smith, daughter-in-law, Brenda Saunders; grandsons, Greg Saunders (Theda) of Vilonia, AR, Bryan Smith (Terri) of Roe, AR, Todd Smith (Joanie) of Roe, AR, Brent Saunders, (Amy) of Benton, AR, granddaughter-law, Janet Saunders; 5 great granddaughters, 4 great grandsons, 3 step great grandchildren, 2 Great great-granddaughters, and 2 step great great-grandsons.

Visitation will be on Wednesday February 2, 2022 at the Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Stuttgart from 1-2PM with services to follow at 2PM, Burial will be in Roe Cemetery.