Dr. Thomas Archer Saunders, MD, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016 after a period of declining health. He was 93 years old. “Tommy” was born and raised in South Hill, VA where he resided his entire life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Younger and Emma Ozlin Saunders; siblings Virginia Younger Smith, Frances India Midyette and Luther Younger, Jr. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Lucille Davidson Saunders; two children, Thomas Archer Saunders, Jr. and wife Carolyn of Richmond, VA and Mildred Jones Hanrahan and husband Philip of Lexington, KY; three grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth Saunders and Husband Tom Dickinson of Hillsborough, NC; Benjamin Allen Saunders and wife Sytira of Richmond, VA and Emma Beckwith Hanrahan of Lexington, KY; three great- grandchildren, Cora Byrd and Reid Archer Dickinson and Kirby Davidson Saunders and several nieces and nephews. Dr. Saunders graduated from South Hill High School in 1940. Next, he became a lifelong Richmond Spider, attending the University of Richmond where in 1944 he obtained a BS degree in Biology. While at Richmond he joined Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In 1948, he graduated from MCV with his M.D. After an internship at Stuart Circle Hospital he returned to South Hill to practice medicine with his uncle, Dr. Wilkins J. Ozlin. Tommy loved being a doctor for his patients until his retirement in 1988. The life of a rural, Southside Virginia doctor suited him well despite its challenges. He was an original staff member at what is now VCU-Community Memorial Hospital. He delivered nearly 4000 babies, sewed up cuts, gave shots and treated illnesses and ailments of all kinds. There were rarely dull moments and the stories could fill volumes. It was a life he loved. During his working years he took only one vacation a year. It was with his family and friends to his beloved Nags Head NC. His last trip in the summer of 2015 marked his 60th year vacationing on the Outer Banks. Tommy was a member of the South Hill United Methodist Church and a long time member of the South Hill Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a sports fan. The Richmond Spiders, Redskins and Atlanta Braves have lost a great fan. In his retirement, besides enjoying the pursuits of his family, he developed a close circle of friends in the “Coffee Club” at Wilson Bros Restaurant. The family would like to thank special friends and neighbors Gladys, Rudy, Susan, Nancy, Jane, Ann and “Lilly” for all their support, assistance and fellowship over the years. Thanks also to Pine View Assisted Living, the Hundley Center at VCU-Community Memorial Hospital and Chase City Health and Rehab for their Care. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11am, Monday, March 21 at Oakwood Cemetery in South Hill, VA. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2-4pm at Farrar Funeral Home. Memorial considerations may be directed to Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Home, P O Box 1398, Brookneal, VA 24528. Online condolences may be directed to www.farrarfuneralhome.net. Farrar Funeral Home of South Hill is serving the family.