Billie Joe (BJ) Sanders, age 89 of League City, Texas, formerly of Alvin, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026. Billie was born January 26, 1937 in Lyford, Texas, and was a member of the Alvin community for over 50 years.

In profession, BJ was a renowned metallurgist with his expertise in zirconium. In 2007 he was awarded the William J. Kroll Zirconium Medal from ASTM international for his contributions to the field. Several of his family was able to attend the award ceremony in Sunriver Oregon.

BJ enjoyed studying family genealogy and left our family a legacy of information. BJ would often help family friends learn about their own family history as well. BJ loved his family and was extremely proud of his grand children and great grandchildren. He enjoyed fellowship and intimately sharing his faith in Jesus Christ.

BJ is preceded in death by his parents Jett and Chloe Sanders, his sister Helen Stephens and his son in law Keith Fairchild

BJ is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary Sanders; daughters; Cynthia Snow and husband Tommy of Buffalo Texas, Beverly Sanders-Fairchild of Alvin Texas, and Kimberly Grubbs and husband Matthew of League City Texas, son Blaine Sanders and wife Elizabeth of Seabrook Texas; grandchildren Joshua (Erika), Ronnie (Laci), Aaron (Natalie), Eric (Nikki), Chloe, Mark, Gracie (Garrett), Sophia, and Katie, and his ten great grandchildren. He’s also survived by niece and nephew Pamela and Michael, and numerous other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date when our extended relatives and family can safely plan to attend.