Guy St. Claire Sanders Iii

Rev. Guy St. Claire Sanders III of Lake Wales reached his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. He claimed to have been born in Clemson, SC but was actually born in Orangeburg, SC on September 27, 1948, to the late Guy and Alice Sanders.

Guy answered the call to preach before graduating from Clemson University in 1970. Graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973. From 1975 to 2015 Guy pastored First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, FL, First Baptist Church in Lake Wales, FL, Celebration Baptist in Wichita, KS, and First Baptist Church in New Port Richey, FL. 1990-1991 he served as President of the Florida Baptist Convention. In 1998, Guy was employed by the Baptist Sunday School Board as National Consultant for the FAITH Evangelism Strategy.

Guy loved Clemson, even when they never won a football game. He was also a competitive golfer. He enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But he was most passionate about sharing Jesus with everyone he encountered.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Jean Sanders; two daughters, Ashleigh Harrison (Lee) of Babson Park and Andrea Bredow (Beau) of Meridian, MS; sister, Linda Moore (Steve); brother, Nick Sanders (Sherrie); five grandchildren, Hunter, Austin, Macey, Blake and Barrett; and four great-grandchildren, Karleigh, Tinley, Conley and Hadlee.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales with Rev. Brad Smith officiating. For those who wish, donations may be sent to Gideons or First Baptist Church Mission Fund.