KNOXVILLE, Tenn (SUBMITTED) -- Ken Sanderson, a three-year letterman in football under head coach Johnny Majors, died Tuesday in Knoxville.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Sanderson was a wide receiver for the Vols from 1976-78, playing in 25 games. His career stats include 10 catches for 125 yards, an average of 12.5 per catch.

The Knoxville native attended Karns High School before joining the Vols in 1975. An all-star athlete in high school, Sanderson made All-KIL in both football and basketball.

A prominent business owner and developer, Sanderson was a dedicated servant to God and a faithful member to The Gathering International, Partners in Christ, as well as First Baptist Church Concord. He had a passion and love for coaching young athletes, and guiding their walk with the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Eugene Sanderson; his sister, Amelia Lennon; and nephew, Toby Brown. Survived by his wife, Gail Dylewski Sanderson; sons, Sean, Joshua, Michael Sanderson, and Bryan Herren; mother, Mrs. Gloria Baugh Sanderson; sister, Linette Brown, brother, Mark Sanderson and sister-in-law, Karen; and sister Kathy Andrews.

The family will receive friends Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home in Knoxville. Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church Concord. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wayne Jolley Ministry/The Gathering International, P.O. Box 680249, Franklin, TN, 37068, Partners in Christ, or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.