Kenneth Dewayne Sanders

Kenneth Dewayne Sanders, age 72, of Chickamauga, Georgia, formerly of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on September 24, 2026. Born September 8, 1954, he lived a life marked by hard work, quiet strength, and a love that, over time, softened into something deeply meaningful and real.

He is now at peace in the arms of Jesus, reunited with those who went before him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Denn and Peggy Sanders; his sister, Shirley McAmis; and his brothers, Raymond and Larry Sanders.

Kenneth's life was not without struggle, but it was a life that found redemption, healing, and grace in its later chapters. The last few years became a sacred space of reconnection with his family, a time where forgiveness replaced distance, and love was spoken more freely than it had been in years. Those moments, simple yet powerful, will remain a lasting gift to those who shared them with him.

He dedicated 14 years of service to the City of Chickamauga and 17 years to the Chickamauga Lions Club, serving his community with quiet consistency and pride. He didn't always seek recognition, but he showed up, he worked, and he cared in the ways that truly mattered.

In his later years, he found simple joy working at a produce stand he loved.

He spent his final time at Etowah Healthcare in Etowah, Tennessee, where he was cared for with kindness and compassion by the wonderful staff.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tiffany and Brandon Torbett; his son, Greg Sanders; and his seven grandchildren: Paislee and Carlee Thomas, Roslyn Torbett, Hannah, Hayden , Alayna and Shirley Rae Sanders. He is also survived by his nephew, Michael Sanders, and sister-in-law, Margaret Sanders. Plus several Aunts, Uncles & Cousins. Kenneth is also survived by the many friends he made throughout the Chickamauga community, people he loved deeply and held dearly in his heart until the very end.

Those who knew him will remember a man who carried life in a quiet way, steady in presence, and deeply capable of love that grew stronger with time.

A service to honor his life will be held on Monday September 28th at 11:00am in the Ridge Sanctuary of Companion Funeral & Cremation Service at 2412 Georgetown Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37311, with visitation on Sunday September 27th from 5pm until 8pm in the Ridge Sanctuary. Family and friends are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate a life that found its way home to Jesus.

Kenneth will be laid to rest following the service at Hiwassee Memorial Gardens located at 8063 North Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN. Brandon Torbett, Greg Sanders, Hayden Sanders, Michael Sanders, Nick Brown, and Jackie Sanders will serve as pallbearers.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care, especially nurse McKenzie, Nurse Jeremy, the many CNAs, Chaplain Mike, & Dr. Benjamin Coffey and to Etowah Healthcare and its staff for the kindness and love shown to him each day.

Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Sanders family with these arrangements.