Joseph Gerard Sanchez

Joseph Gerard Sanchez, age 58, of Greenback lost his battle with Cancer on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at home in the company of MUCH family and friends. The word lost cannot even be used in Gerard's case because he beat the odds so many times. His body was tired and the Lord knew what was ahead would be a struggle. In the family's opinion he won the battle. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Townsend. He was preceded in death by his father, Avilio Sanchez, and nephew Darrin Reker. Survivors include his wife, Cindie Sanchez; sons and daughters-and-in law Chad Shepherd of Maryville, Kyle Sanchez and fianc�e Amanda Slansky of Maryville, Brad and MaryBeth Burkhart of MO, Brian and Jaque Burkhart of MO; daughters and sons-in-law Charitie and Russell Barnes of NC, Kristen Sanchez of Maryville, Angelina Sanchez of MO; grandchildren Ashlie Barnes and Russell Gerard Barnes (due in August), ; mother Stella Sanchez of MO; brother and sister-in-law Ken and Saralie Sanchez; sisters Rachael Sanchez, Eva Reker, Mary Blackwood and husband Bill Blackwood all of MO; nephews Matthew Blackwood and Matt Givens. Funeral Mass will be at 2pm Monday, May 11, 2009, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Townsend with Father Bede officiating. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hope for Today, 422 Blockhouse Road, Maryville, TN 37803; St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 639 Dry Valley Rd., Townsend, TN 37882; Green Meadows United Methodist Church, 1633 Louisville Rd., Alcoa, TN 37701, or New Horizon Church, 235 Alnwick Dr., Friendsville, TN 37737 in memory of Mr. Sanchez. Family will receive friends from 5:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2009, in Smith Trinity Chapel. Prayer vigil follows at 7:00p.m. The family would like to thank all of the special friends and caregivers that surrounded him. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, 983-1000. www.smithmortuary.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Gerard Sanchez please visit our Sympathy Store.