Thomas Edward Sanders, Jr.

September 21, 1938 – July 14, 2025, Mount Dora, Florida

Tom was born on September 21, 1938, in Plantersville, Alabama, and at 86 years of age passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2025, in Mount Dora, Florida. Tom graduated from Dallas County High School and later graduated from Huntingdon College in 1961. In 1965 Tom received his master's degree from Rollins College. After some years Tom returned to school and earned his PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision from Florida State University in 1983.

After completing college, Tom began his educational career as a high school teacher and coach in Alabama and Satellite High School, where he also became an assistant principal. At Mount Dora High School, Tom became the principal (1969-1974) before moving to the administrative offices of the Lake County School System (1974 to 1981) and later the Department of Education (1981-83). After earning his PhD, Tom became the principal at Eustis Middle School (1983-1988). Tom was then elected for two consecutive terms to serve as the Lake County School System Superintendent (1988-1996). Upon his retirement he started the Sanders Management Consulting Corporation. Tom proudly continued his contribution to education by writing the first School Board Policy for the Seminole Indian Nation.

In addition to being an educator, Tom was a community leader who notably served as the Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International. Due to Tom's years of commitment to Kiwanis, the Mount Dora Kiwanis Club named their annual golf tournament in his name in order to raise funds for his passion of scholarships for students' education. Tom was a noted speaker, consultant, and author of various works including his autobiography. Tom's family are proud of countless accomplishments and recognitions which are too numerous to mention.

Tom was a passionate outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished athlete who was able to attend college with baseball and basketball scholarships. Another favorite pastime for Tom was playing golf with friends and family. Tom also was committed to serving at First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora where over the years he taught Sunday School, served on the Executive Committee, and helped established the church's Fifth Avenue Thrift Shoppe.

Tom spent his life as a servant leader who always gave himself for the betterment of others. Tom lived his life with a passion to make a difference and truly accomplished his goal in every area of his life. There wasn't a hill that was too hard to climb for Tom. As he wrote in his autobiography, "I think I have learned over the years that achieving goals, whether it is in sports, at the workplace or life in general is really not all that hard. All it takes is all you have." Tom is well loved and respected by the community and his family as he truly did make a difference in everyone's life he touched.

Without a doubt Tom's greatest love and passion was that of his family, for whom he has left an endearing legacy.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Edwards Sanders, Sr. & Mary Beatrice Ham. Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ellen; his children, Missy (Mike) of Tallahassee, Kelly (Carla) of Mount Dora, Tish of Mount Dora; grandchildren, Jean (Rylan), Emma, Jamie (Derek), Zack (Val), Luke, and Hope; and greatgrandchildren, Evelyn and Emory.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 22nd at First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora at 2pm with reception following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Tom Sanders to Hospice and/or the Mount Dora Kiwanis Scholarship Fund.