John Devon Landers, Sr., passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, August 6, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha Sue Koonce Landers, mother, Byrdia Mae Landers, his five children, Lisa Dianne Landers, Johnny Devon Landers, Jr. and wife Cindi Waldrep Landers, Lynda Landers Darby and husband Elton Herbert Darby, Jr., Laurie Landers Habla and husband James (Jim) Christopher Habla, and Leslie Landers Howard and husband William (Bill) Leland Howard. Grandchildren Lizbeth Ann Landers, Ronald Blake Flippo, Leigh Ellen Landers, John Wesley Landers, William Devon Landers, Elton Herbert Darby, III, Elleson Elizabeth Darby, Jordan Landers Darby, Christopher James Habla, John Robert Habla, Leland Palmer Howard, III, Martha Elizabeth Howard, and great-grandchildren Lauren Cadence Licci and London Dianne Boedeker. He was preceded in death by his father, John Floyd Landers. He was born and raised in Wolf Springs, Alabama, where he graduated from Hatton High School. In 1954, he received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology from Florence State Teachers College. He then served in the United States Army as first lieutenant in Fort Lee, Virginia and Fort Gordon, Georgia. He began his career as a chemist at the Tennessee Valley Authority''s phosphate development lab. In 1957, he enrolled in Auburn University''s School of Pharmacy. While at Auburn, he taught chemistry and served as a tutor for the Auburn football team. He was also a member of Phi Delta Chi pharmacy fraternity. After graduation, he worked as a pharmacist at Corner Drug in Florence and Palace Drugs in Tuscumbia. In 1965 he purchased East Florence Drugs, which he owned and operated for 33 years. He was also the co-owner of North Florence Pharmacy with partner James Harry Grisham. He was actively involved in the community, as a member of the Civitan Club and the Florence Jaycees. He also served as a member of the Florence Planning Commission for 5 years. He was passionate about the importance of education, and was a proud member of the Florence City School board for over 12 years, serving two terms as chairman. He was a member of Auburn University''s Lauderdale County Legislative committee, and was a lifetime member of the Auburn University Alumni Association. He was an avid and talented gardener, well known for his beautiful roses. He was a Master Gardener, and very much enjoyed helping others with all types of landscaping. After his retirement, he began pursuing his love of the art of bonsai. He was a founding member of the Shoals Bonsai Society, as well a member of both Huntsville and Birmingham Bonsai societies. He received numerous awards for his bonsai trees, and several are on display at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens today. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Bradford, Ed Smith, James Harry Grisham, David Frye, and Jim Gresham. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 9 at Elkins Funeral Home in Florence, from 12-2PM. Funeral services will follow at 2PM in the Chapel, with Bro. Chris Underwood officiating. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to the Salvation Army Women''s Auxillary of the Shoals, 201 Huntsville Road, Florence, or Finish the Race c/o Highland Baptist Church, Florence. Special thanks to Dr. Robert Mann, Dr. Gwendolyn Claussen, Elder Care, and Hospice of North Alabama.