Ernest Arthur "Ernie" Sanders

Ernest Arthur "Ernie" Sanders, also known as "Buster" to his family, passed away on June 10, 2026 at CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson.

He was born on August 10,1943 in Dayton, Ohio while his father was working out of state for a short time before returning back home to Tennessee.

The Chattanooga and Hixson areas were always considered as home to Ernie, as his family lineage dates back to several generations of early East Tennessee settlers. His grandparents were Edward (Maggie Roberts) Sanders of Hixson and Arthur (Effie Everett) Hanes of Georgetown.

Ernie's family would reside mostly in Hixson. However, during his younger years they would move away as needed to secure work. Some of the most memorable times were spent during his middle school years in Morrison Tn and over the next several decades, with intervals of the family relocating westward to Phoenix AZ and surrounding areas. While in Phoenix he would eventually join the US Army in October 1963. After an honorable discharge, he would meander the country as a free spirit drifter of sorts, while working various jobs in the auto industry and later as a truck driver for TVA at Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in the 1970's. So many interesting stories of his adventures have been shared along the way...

Ernie (Buster) was certainly one of a kind, anyone who knew him well, appreciated that he was a true music head, having been a loyal listener over the decades to Classic Rock station KZ106 and had frequented the studio throughout the years. He had an undeniable passion for collecting vinyl albums from the 1950-1970's era. AC/DC and Pink Floyd were a couple of his favorites amongst the great rock bands.

Many acquaintances and friends were acquired throughout his life. While attending school in Hixson he was fondly given the nickname "Birdie" by his friends and was later known as "Co-Pilot" back in the days of the CB radio.

He was easy going, kind and respectful to everyone he encountered along the journey.

He loved his family deeply and found such joy in the simplest of things... his words of "Oh that's cool" will be greatly missed!

Preceded in death by Parents; John and Lorene (Hanes) Sanders, Brother; Benny Sanders, Nieces; Ramona Gibson and Cindy Sanders.

Survivors include: Sisters; Beverly Conner and Alicia Cambron of Soddy Daisy, Brother: Col. Tommy Hennessee of Belton, Tx.

Several nieces, a nephew, cousins and extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to all of Ernie's caregivers at TN Veterans Administration, Amedisys Home Care of Dayton, All Ways Caring of Whitwell, EMS and the CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson team.

Memorial Service and Burial will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, July 6, 2026, 11:00 AM at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.