Juan R. Sanchez, Sr.

Juan Ramon Sanchez, Sr., age 75, was received into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 6, 2019.

Juan was born December 8, 1943 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico, where he was granted a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in 1970. After college, he worked as an accountant in the San Juan mayor’s office, where he was in charge of organizing fundraisers & bookkeeping for the Carlos Romero Barcelo campaign. In order to remove his family from the politics of Puerto Rico, he moved to Avon Park, Florida in April 1973, where he began work as the comptroller of Highlands Regional Hospital for a number of years. After his role as comptroller, he continued work in the accounting field, working for Luis Benevides, CPA, the NCT Group and Dorrell & Hancock. Juan ended his accounting career as an Enrolled agent with the NCT group.
Juan came to faith in Christ in 1983, and he became a member of Sunridge Baptist Church. As a member, he served faithfully, becoming a deacon and serving as treasurer. He also served the Florida Baptist Convention for 12 years on the state board of missions and was elected to serve a two year term as second Vice President.
Personally, Juan had a heart of gold, helping those who came to him, even when it meant personal sacrifice for himself and his family. He will be missed by his family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ, but we rejoice that he has received his reward.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Laura Rosa Sanchez of Avon Park, FL; Children: Rev. Juan R. Sanchez, Jr. (Jeanine) of Austin, TX, Laura Sanchez Moore of Avon Park, FL, Maritza McGill (Robert) of Tallahassee, FL, and David J. Sanchez (Isabel) of Decatur, GA; Siblings: Priscilla Domenech, Miriam Salabarria and Migdalia Sanchez; 14 Grandchildren: Alexandra Sanchez Canales (Marshall), Hope Amanda Sanchez Phillips (Cody), Gabrielle Marie Sanchez, Zoe Dell Sanchez, Jaye Maxey Sanchez, Samantha Feijoo (George), David J. Wilson, Bradley Moore, Taylor McGill, Riley McGill, Kyle McGill, Katelyn McGill, Cole Sanchez, and Jake Sanchez; 5 great grandchildren: Kimberly Canales, Hosea Canales, Ezekiel Canales, Olivia Feijoo, Luca Feijoo, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Lydia (Burgos) Sanchez and granddaughter, Grace DeJesus Sanchez.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Avon Park with the family receiving friends beginning at 12:00 Noon. First Baptist Church of Avon Park, 100 North Lake Avenue, Avon Park, FL 33825.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, Florida 33870.