Aaron Saunders,

Bluefield, WV- Aaron Lamar Saunders, Jr., 57, of Bluefield, WV, died Tuesday October 11, 2011. He was born March 7, 1954 in Bluefield, VA to the late Aaron Saunders, Sr. and Nellie Saunders. He was a 1972 graduate of Graham High School and a 1976 graduate of Bluefield State College. Aaron never met a stranger. His outgoing manner and genuine interest in the “sales” dynamic, along with the work ethic he learned at home, had helped the BSC graduate enjoy a successful career as an entrepreneur, corporate executive, bank board chairman, and commercial real estate owner/broker. His list of accomplishments began at Carter Machinery in Bluefield while attending college. In the 1980’s, he was employed by Parker Hannifin Corporation as a Division Manager. This endeavor led to his President/Ownership of Hydraulic Pneumatic Mart in Arizona. Aaron decided to expand his business interests to include real estate and banking. After acquiring a restate and broker license, he became Owner/President of MacArthur Realty Group and COSP Properties, Inc. in Arizona. His realty group worked diligently to help low income families to obtain financial backing to purchase homes. After he joined to Board of Directors of Valley Bank (AZ) he and a few colleagues formed Gold Canyon Bank, also in Arizona, where he became Chairman of the Board. Other affiliations include Grand Canyon Minority Business Development Council, Phoenix 100 Rotary Club, Governor’s Small Business Council, Governor’s Leadership Council, and the Arizona Business Leadership Association. Upon returning to his hometown of Bluefield, he was asked to join the Board of Governors at Bluefield Sate College and the Intermodal Committee. He also was interim Director of the Wade Center. Survivors include his twins, age 13, Nicholas Spencer and Courtney Caroline and their mother, Diane Kotula, all of AZ; his mother, Nellie Saunders of Bluefield, WV; one brother, Dr. Royal Saunders of New Orleans, LA; one sister, Noel Wilson and her husband Rick of Bluefield, WV; niece, Erin Wilson; nephew, R. J. Wilson also of Bluefield; special Aunts, Eva Saunders of Bluefield, VA and Brenda Matthews of Fayetteville, NC; many close relatives, and so many special friends that he acquired throughout the years. Everyone that came in contact with Aaron knew of his witty ways and he was never at a loss for words of wisdom or to lend a helping hand. He will be remembered for all the wonderful moments he shared with those that he knew and loved. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday October 17, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at First Christian Church (DOC), 2200 Bland Road, Bluefield, WV, with the Rev. James Palmer and Rev. Aaron Watkins officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, VA where cousins will be pallbearers. The family will receive friends at First Christian Church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Aaron Lamar Saunders, Jr.

Aaron Saunders,

March 7, 1954 - October 11, 2011