Graveside services for Michael P. “Mike” Saunders, 77, of Gray, will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Turner’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mike passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Pine Pointe Hospice. He was a Vietnam veteran and served as a firefighter with Miami-Dade County from 1975 until 2006. Mike enjoyed playing the drums, fishing, diving and snorkeling, and riding his Harley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Basil Leland Saunders and Mary Belle O’Conner Saunders; one brother, Tim Saunders; and one son, Robbie Johnstone.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Jordan Saunders of Gray; his children, Gregg Saunders (Terry) of Hickory, North Carolina, Beth Saunders of Lake Wales, Florida, and Jenifer Byrd (Michael) of Milledgeville; three sisters, Anne Stormont (Ray) of Miami, Florida, Joan Davis (Skip) of Florida, and Judy DeLima of Albany, Georgia; close cousin, Bob Heagan of Albany, New York; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210.

McLeighton Funeral Service of Butler is in charge of arrangements