William F. Anderson, Jr.
William Franklin Anderson, Jr. (Bill) passed away peacefully on June 17, 2022, seventeen days past his 100th birthday.
Bill was born on May 31, 1922 in Ninety-Six, South Carolina to Roberta McIntosh Anderson and William Franklin Anderson. He entered Clemson University as the Class of 1944, but his education was interrupted when he left college to join the US Army and fight in WWII. While fighting in Germany, he was wounded and received Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for his service. After the war, he returned to Clemson to complete his education and then joined American Mutual Liability Insurance Company. After a long career, he retired in 1984 and moved back to Atlanta, settling in Brookhaven.
In 1951, Bill married Carolyn (Lynn) Pittman of McRae, GA. They remained married for 67 years until her death in 2018.
Upon his retirement, Bill had more time to enjoy doing the things he loved. He was a member of the Atlanta Kiwanis Club and actively volunteered by tutoring at Garden Hills Elementary School for 20 years, working at the Atlanta Food Bank, and the Ronald McDonald house. He was a member of Cherokee Town and Country Club for 53 years, and spent many hours on their tennis courts and golf course, where he enjoyed playing both well into his nineties. He was also an avid snow skier, and rode a zip line across Lone Peak at Big Sky, Montana when he was 88 years young. Bill loved his family, driving on back roads and eating peaches in the summertime. He was a true Southern Gentleman and was loved and admired by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Bill is survived by his sister Sally Pulliam of Columbia, SC and children Lynda Gudenrath (Allen) of Macon, Ga, Buzz Anderson of Atlanta, Greg Anderson (Shannon) of Atlanta, and Steven Anderson of Greer, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zack Usilton (Anne) of Atlanta, Kelly Cole (Woody) of Carrollton, GA, Connell Anderson (Courtney) of Nashville, TN, Katie Anderson of Aspen, CO, Alexandra Anderson of London, England, William Anderson, Haley Anderson, Taylor Anderson and Matson Anderson, all of Atlanta and four great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Huntcliff Summit, his devoted caregivers from Rescare and CaraVita Homecare, and Agape Hospice for their kind and loving care of our Dad.
A private memorial service will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA
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When one looks back on a man’s life character (i.e. distinguishing traits), automatically come to mind. The following qualities that immediately pop into my mind in reference to Mr. Anderson are; 1st) “Family” – married 67 yrs., cared for & constantly ask about each of his family members, and, was in many many ways a provider to all, “Faith & Community” – He gave back to both, taught Sunday School for yrs., was a scouting volunteer for yrs., was a volunteer elementary volunteer school teacher, Ronald McDonald, etc. etc. Truly “A Great American”: Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars – enough said. Family, God, and Country, Bill’s life epitomized the phrase ” Lead by Example”. I have no clue what life was like a 100 yrs. ago when Bill arrived, but, Mr. Anderson certainly had a positive impact on it before he left. A.G.