Mr. Leon Elias Sanders transitioned on March 22, 2025 with his loving family and friends by his side. He was an educator at B.E. Mays High School for 30 plus years and manager at Smith-Dennis Smith Funeral Home for 20 years. Viewing will be Friday, March 28, 2025 from 1pm to 8pm. Service will be Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2:00pm in the chapel of Smith-Dennis Smith Funeral Home located at 3047 Campbellton Road, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30311. Service will be livestreamed (scroll to the end of his obituary and select the link 15 mins prior to service).
Send flowers to the service of Leon Elias Sanders
Wanda planted 5 trees in memory of Leon Elias Sanders . - March 28, 2025
Cynthia G Richardson sent Large Mixed Dish Garden for Leon Elias Sanders - March 28, 2025
LaNisha Hill sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Leon Elias Sanders - March 27, 2025
Dennis, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. My heart and prayers are with you your family. Cynthia Richardson
Lord! As I'm standing here preparing your Casket Spray, I hear you giving me SPECIFIC directions. See, that is one of the greatest things about Mr. Sanders. He knew what he wanted and he was very direct. I often told him how much I appreciated that. It really helped me learn how to accomodate "our" family's desires for their loved ones. I'll never be able to put in words how much Mr. Sanders mentored and motivated me. Even outside of our business relationship, we spoke often. Ill always remember him as a friend of mine. He is the reason most people at the funeral home know me as "Kiss". Lol.
You fought a GREAT FIGHT! You won the victory....eternal rest! Until we meet again! Many condolences to your family and friends!
KSS'D FLORIST
Mr. Sanders, you comforted us with the passing of my mother-in-law, Francine Prayor. You gave my daughter her nickname, Jah-Jah. You had a beautiful spirit and was so funny. I love the way you read people. Thank you for always patronizing our business. You will be missed dearly. Now you can laugh and dance with my mother-in-law. Tell her we said hello! Until we all meet again. Rest well! Race ran and won. :)
Mr. Sanders, you fought a good fight and you fisnished the course. Your journey is completed. Now, claim your crown. You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again. Rest in Jesus. Min. Brinson
I'm in such disbelief for the loss of a great educator and even greater man. We recently buried my father and Mr. Sanders provided comfort, guidance, encouragement and most of all SUPERIOR service to my family and I. Thank you Mr. Sanders! To your family my condolences and prayers are with you all during this time. To Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral home, his presence will be greatly missed. All of our love during this difficult time. May he take his rest.
My brother, I will truly miss you, but God has you now! To the Sanders family and James, stay strong! That's what Leon would want! Rest in peace, my love!
In celebration of the life accomplishments of Mr. Sanders, I pray that God will surround the family with his presence of love, peace, strength and comfort in this season. I'm thankful for the privilege of meeting Mr. Sanders. For He was truly a warrior for Christ. He performed his mission with excellence. We're thankful for his exemplary gift of love and compassion portrayed through our various communities.
In Cherished Memory of Dr. Leon Sanders
It is with a heavy heart that I pen this tribute to my dear friend, Dr. Leon Sanders, a beloved, cherished educator, mentor, trusted confidant, and an all-around trustworthy friend. Little did I know that our last conversation, which felt like just a few fleeting moments ago, was unknowingly preparing me for the immense sorrow of your departure from this earthly realm.
The void left by your absence will be profoundly felt, as I find myself thinking about your infectious laughter, the secrets we entrusted to one another, the thought-provoking moments of seriousness, and the endless stream of playful jokes that brought such joy to our interactions. You were truly one of a kind, a remarkable individual who embraced life on your own terms, guided by an unwavering moral compass of honesty, integrity, and love in action.
Now, as you rest in eternal peace, I take solace in the knowledge that your spirit soars high, ascending to join the angels in your glorious new home. All praises and gratitude to the Most High God for blessing us with the gift of your life, a life that was lived to the fullest, leaving an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with you.
Though your physical presence is no longer with us, your memory will continue to inspire and resonate within the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing you, my dear friend. Your legacy will forever inspire us. Rest well, Leon, for you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Thank you so much for every lesson I was taught in your class and preparing me for success . You truly were a blessing and mean so much to me. Love you Dr. Sanders!!
Mr. Sanders , just wanted you to know you're the reason I love science . You were the teacher that challenged us because you knew what we were capable of . You didn't believe in handing out grades , we had to earn our grades ! You'll forever be missed , and forever in our hearts ! #MaysFamily
To our family and friends of our cousin Leon. The Gathers family is praying for God to give everyone strength. We love you. God blessings.
Rest Well Mr Sanders.. you will be Truly missed 💛
Wow! Where do I start? Mr. Sanders was my 9th grade biology teacher. He was a tough one but a great one. When I heard nobody made A's in his class and how most students failed his class, I was determined to pass with an A. Am sure enough, report cards went out and I had a 100% flat in his class. Many were astonished! Talking about a teacher that challenges students? Yep! That was Mr. Sanders. Thank you for teaching me the power in doing the work. Thank you for challenging me to remain steadfast even when many said it was nearly impossible to pass your class. Your laugh, your jokes, the way you read people with class and sarcasm will always be remembered. Thank you for everything! May you rest in peace and May God cover and comfort your family during this transitional period. 🪽🩵
My condolences goes out to Mr Sanders Family rest well my dear friend
My condolences to the family of Mr Sanders He is truly beautiful missed he was a good friend he was a beautiful person inside and out Love you Mr Sanders R.I P
I am sending my condolences, love and prayers to the family of Mr. Sanders. I had the pleasure of him being my Physics teacher in 9th grade at Benjamin E Mays High School. He expected nothing but Excellence. You will truly be missed 😢
Mr. Sanders was my first introduction into being great as my 9th grade Biology teacher. He was stern with his students and demanded nothing less than excellence from every student he taught. I have carried one of his favorite sayings over into my career as an educator, " I don't care if you have a 69.999, you will get an F". From him peaking through the back window trying to catch us cheating on his assessments, to working with a feral pig, to exploring the woods surrounding the school, Mr. Sanders always brought Science to life. My condolences to the family. His legacy will always remain.
Mr. Sanders was my science teacher in 9th and 11th grade. He helped me with my science project, DNA Fingerprinting which went all the way to the state. We had to extract DNA from an onion cell. I remember smelling like onions for weeks lol. He was more than a teacher to me. He was a listening ear, encourager and someone who would remind me to "not get it twisted". While in college I would often make visits to Mays and his face would light up when he saw me. The tough assignments and pop quizzes prepared me not only for college, but life. You will be sorely missed Mr. Sanders. Well done thy good and faithful servant. Condolences to family and friends who loved him so. Monique (Jordan) Guilford, May High, Class of 1997
May the family of Mr. Sanders find some comfort in knowing that this legend will be forever missed by the many students of Benjamin E. Mays High School. His legacy and memories will carry on in eternity. I pray that God continues to provide his love of protection during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing him with us. The Honorable Mr. Sanders you will be missed! With love and blessings LeRoya Jennings c/o 97 Kraig Jennings c/o 93
My Condolences and Prayers goes out to the Sanders family, friends and staff of Smith, Dennis- Smith, Funeral Home.I work side by side with him for over 20 years. I learned a lot under his leadership. Rest in peace my friend and coworker. Keep watching over us till we meet again. Much appreciated and love 😘💕
My deepest condolences to the Sanders family and to the staff of Smith, Dennis Smith Funeral Home. Had the pleasure of knowing this kind gentleman. Please know that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.