Obituary of John R Saunders

His Life Story John R. Saunders born October 8, 1951 at Old Fort reservation in North Carolina. His parents were John W. Saunders and Juanita Lietell Saunders. John went home to be with the Lord on March 7, 2021. John was educated in the Camden City School System and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1971. Immediately following graduation, John enlisted into the United States Navy where he excelled and received the First Good Conduct Award and the National Defense Service Award. He became a Navy Seal while serving valiantly in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy, John attended Berkley College and majored in Music Production and Engineering. John was so good at engineering that he was asked to teach other students the fine art of studio engineering while at Berkley. John Saunders has toured as a production engineer with Patti LaBelle, Phil Collins, Sting, Earth Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, Billy Paul, B.B. King and numerous Grammy Award winning artist. He has worked at Sigma Sound Studio, Philadelphia International Records as a studio engineer for Teddy Pendergrass, the O’Jays, Phyllis Hyman, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, Ray Goodman & Brown to name a few. John has also been a production engineer for artist from every genre such as Yolanda Adams, Ty Tibbett & GA, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Yocontalie Jackson, Canton Spirituals, Donnie McClurkin, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Alabama, the Oakridge Boys and so many other artists. John’s engineering skills has afforded him the opportunity to tour, London, Sweden, Brazil, Holland and Scotland. Utilizing his gifts and talents, John provided the highest level of sound engineering to his artist. John was committed to helping whomever he could, from mentoring youth to providing sound as a consultant to places of worship. His professionalism as a sound engineer was second to none. His commitment and passion were always to satisfy others. John received the Camden County MLK Award and also the IDEA Performing Arts Center Life Time Achievement Award for Outstanding Service & Accomplishments Spanning a Career in the Arts. John also had a forty-year career with the Camden County Parks department, leading a variety of projects along with engineering shows at all Camden County Parks, such as the Scottish Rite theater and Wiggins Park for thousands of concert goers, where they enjoyed shows premiering international headliners and local artist. His favorite tour was with Luther Vandross when he engineered for him in London. John will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle spirit and his infectious smile. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Yocontalie (Connie) Jackson-Saunders, and his children, Johnny (Michelle), Shaun (Melody), Brittany, Brianna, Indie, Julian and Wayne Smalls, Jr. (Stepson). Ten Grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren, three brothers, Dennis (Pamela), Bobby (Annette (Choppy) and Kim (Sandy). Two sisters preceded him in death, Gwendolyn and Pamela. He is affectionately remembered by his family and many friends.