It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Edward Kennedy "Ken" Sanders, who left this world peacefully on November 26, 2024, surrounded by his family in Carrollton, Georgia. Ken was born on November 30, 1985, in Anniston, Alabama, and lived a life marked by faith, strength, and an unyielding love for his family and the outdoors.

Ken married his wife, Christie Leigh Sanders, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Ken and Christie Leigh opened their hearts to foster 16 children since 2019, ranging in ages from 2 to 16, and in September 2023, they adopted their son, Charlie, a moment that brought immense joy and pride to Ken. He was a father whose love knew no bounds—steadfast, gentle, and endlessly devoted. Ken had a unique ability to make every child feel safe, cherished, and valued, teaching them the importance of resilience, faith, and family.

Ken grew up on his family's farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature. He had an unshakable passion for the outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, hunting, woodworking, and enjoying the lake. The quiet beauty of creation was where Ken found peace and connection, often sharing those moments with the people he loved most.

Ken's faith was the foundation of his life and his 12-year battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Despite enduring more treatments than most could imagine, he never stopped fighting and never lost hope. Ken faced every challenge with courage, humor, and an unwavering belief in God's plan, teaching those around him the true meaning of perseverance and grace. Even in the hardest moments, he leaned on his faith and reminded those who knew him that God's goodness could be seen in the smallest of blessings.

Ken's character was defined by his strength, love, and wit. He had a knack for making people laugh, even in the darkest moments, and his humor brought light to everyone he encountered. Ken was a fighter, a family man, and someone who embraced life with passion and purpose. He lived each day to the fullest, cherishing the simple joys and pouring himself into the people and things that mattered most.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christie Leigh Sanders; his son, Charlie Sanders; his parents, Tracy and Sandy Sanders; his sister, Karley Johnson (married to Brandon Johnson); Grandparents, Glenn and Jan Kilgore, Jo Kilgore, Lenard and Bobbie Sanders; and his beloved nieces and nephew, Henley, Essie Jo, and Tucker Johnson. Ken was preceded in death by his grandmother, Norma Jean Sanders ("Gran"), who held a special place in his heart.

Ken's legacy is one of faith, love, and the incredible impact he made on others. He taught us all to cherish the blessings right in front of us, to embrace life's challenges with strength, and to trust in God's unwavering plan.

A visitation will be held on December 7, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Woodstock in Building A - Chapel, followed by a celebration of Ken's life from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM EST. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Goshen Valley Foundation, an organization that reflects Ken's passion for foster care and supporting children in need.

Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the hearts of everyone whose life he touched.

Please see the following link for the livestream of the service:
https://boxcast.tv/view/ken-sanders-tzddimdgt97dngypzaok

Directions to Building A at First Baptist Woodstock:
If you're coming to Building A, follow these directions carefully to avoid confusion and park in the correct lot:
1. Use the Neese Road Entrance: From Hwy 92, turn onto Neese Road and use the main entrance into the church property.
2. Follow the Road to Building A: Stay left as you approach the campus. The A Building parking lot is on the left-hand side, just past the main dome-shaped sanctuary.
3. Park Directly in Front of Building A: Make sure to park in the lot labeled "Parking" on the attached map. The entrance to Building A is located in this area. Overflow parking is all around just trying to save you from walking far.
4. Do NOT Park Near the W Building: The W Building parking lot is farther away and would require a long walk to get back to Building A. Save yourself the trouble by parking directly in front of A Building.

For visual guide: