Earl Sanson

Earl Sanson was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, partner, and friend. He passed away peacefully on Monday, March 15, 2021 at the age of 90, in his hometown of Cleveland, TN.
Earl was born March 2, 1931 to John and Betty Gibson Sansom in McCarr, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Cabell Sanson, his son Michael Earling Sanson, his great-granddaughter Emma Jo Blosser, his brothers Frank Sansom, Herschel Sanson, Johnie Sansom, Jr., and sisters Jaunita Chiasson and Betty Coyer.
He leaves behind his daughter Deborah Sanson Gregg (Kenneth) of Charleston, TN, his daughter-in-law Shawn Sanson of Athens, TN, his loving partner Dale Dotson of Cleveland, TN, his sister Jeraldine Conroy of El Paso, TX, his grandchildren Karrie Gregg Jones (Daniel) of Wilmington, DE, Lindsey Sanson Ownby (Chris) of Cleveland, TN, David Gregg (Melissa) of McDonald, TN, Phillip Sanson (Kristen) of Athens, TN, Sara Woods of Athens, TN, Kelly Sanson Blosser (Wesley) of Knoxville, TN, Alex Sanson of Athens, TN, and Kaden Sanson of Athens, TN. He also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Earl leaves behind members of Dale’s family, Reggie and Jeanine Dotson, Rex Dotson, and Avelyn Dotson, who loved him dearly. He leaves behind Dr. Anthony Gray, who was like a son to him.
Earl was a devoted soldier in the United States Army from 1949-1968. During his time in the military he had three tours of duty in Europe, two in Korea, one in Japan, and one in Vietnam. During his career, the assignment he enjoyed most was when he taught at the Department of Army 7th ATC Combined Arms Training Center. It was there that he provided high quality training to US allies and partner nations. He had a tremendous love of teaching. Later after retiring from the military he owned an insurance company, Earl Sanson and Associates. He was an avid golfer and reader.
Earl’s presence here on Earth will never be forgotten. To know him was to adore him. His infectious personality, class, humor, kindness, and love for his family and friends was larger than life itself. Those that were fortunate to have him in their lives will always cherish, honor, admire, and never forget the precious time that was shared with such a gentleman. Earl Sanson was one of a kind, the mold has been broken.
The family will be having a Celebration of Life honoring Earl on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at the Fairfield Inn in Cleveland, TN from 3:00-6:00 pm. Dr. Anthony Gray will officiate the Celebration Service. Due to Covid-19, the family requests that it be limited to immediate and extended family. Friends may drop in at the home of Deborah Sanson Gregg in Charleston at any other time. Earl will be buried in Princeton, WV beside his beloved wife Dorothy.
We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the family guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com
Companion Funeral and Cremation Service, Cleveland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.