The Statesboro community is in a state of shock and mourning following the sudden death of Scott Sanders, a beloved Physician Assistant at Optim Orthopedics, at the age of 54. Many in our community came to know Scott through his dedicated service with Dr. John Hodges, and later with Dr. Don Aaron after Dr. Hodges' retirement.
Scott passed away on Sunday afternoon at East Georgia Regional Medical Center after experiencing a cardiac event at his home.
Joiner Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements, which are currently incomplete.
Social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes from family, friends, and patients, highlighting the significant impact Scott had on so many lives. His presence was a blessing to all who knew him.
To know Scott was to love him. He had a servant’s heart and an unmatched bedside manner. He truly cared deeply about every patient he touched, leaving a lasting impression on all.
Optim Orthopedics released the following statement regarding Scott's passing:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Scott Sanders, on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Scott’s unexpected death is a shock that leaves our hearts heavy with mourning and empathy for his loved ones.
Scott was an incredible husband, father, friend, and an exceptional Physician Assistant dedicated to excelling in each role. One of his greatest joys was seeing patients leave his care better than they came in. He took great care to get to know his patients and their stories. The countless patients under Scott’s care throughout the years have expressed how his pleasant and professional demeanor gave them comfort and relief. While our practice and the Statesboro community are without such an incredible colleague, our hearts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
My friendship with Scott spans decades. We first met when he was dating his wife, Tara Klein Sanders, who was our neighbor and a student at Georgia Southern at the time, while Scott was in P.A. school. My wife, Lori Grice, has photographed every important milestone for their family since the birth of their children. In fact, just this past week, she was working on a photography project for his family.
Scott was inquisitive by nature and loved a good story, whether he was listening or sharing. His sense of humor and optimism were his hallmarks. He was always one of our first calls in the event of anything medically, especially orthopedic issues. It was not unusual for him to stop by on his way home from work to check on us. My life is richer because of the honor of having Scott as a friend.
The most special times we shared with him were during the many photography sessions Lori had with his family. It was during these moments that he repeatedly showed that his world revolved around his family. He adored his wife Tara, with whom he celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary in May. The unmatched loves of his life were his daughters, Adelind and Sela, whose July birthdays he had just celebrated.
As this precious family navigates the difficult days ahead, we join many of you in wrapping them with our love and prayers.
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