Walter G. “Andy” Anderson entered the presence of his Savior on the 9th day of December 2022. His sudden departure was unexpected, but our hearts have since been filled with hope and joy in knowing he is now with his God and our God, and we will see him again. Andy is not only in heaven with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but he, too, has also been reunited with his heavenly family of loved ones and friends.
Andy was a Christ follower and a man of God. His love for God and his family was evident in how he conducted his life, as he sought to honor God in all he set his hands to do. He loved his family and was kind, generous, faithful, and devoted. He loved God’s church and was a devoted deacon for many years. He loved his work and was respected and valued throughout his 45-year career.
He was born in Gleason, TN (“Tater Town”) on the 1st day of February 1937 to Albert and Ruby Anderson, a farming family. Andy was the oldest of five siblings and took on leadership responsibilities at an early age so his father could travel as a carpenter to provide for his family. Andy was then and continued to be throughout his days the definition of “responsible.” He was a steward of all thing’s family.
The Andersons moved to Memphis in the 1950s, and he began his career with Bell South known today as AT&T in 1956 at the age of, 19. In late 1957 he met his wife of 63 years, Mary Gail Yarber. He proposed in December 1958, and they married on February 27, 1959. Andy also joined the National Guard in December and served our country from 1958 through 1964, when he retired as a Staff Sargent.
Andy and Mary Gail continued life in love and had three children. Mel (Melvin) in ’60, Melanie in ‘62, and Gail (Annette) in ’65. He continued his career with the phone company. It was at the phone company and the National Guard where he picked up the nick name, “Andy,” which most folks called him throughout his life. He loved his work and was well respected by his peers and supervisors. He was a technician and was a go-to source of knowledge and problem solving. He really knew his craft and loved talking about his job. His job truly was his calling and his work ethic honored God. In fact, his legacy work ethic was passed along to each of his children. His career covered 45-years.
More importantly, Andy was a valued husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren while frequently telling them how proud he was of each of them and their accomplishments. He would say how blessed he was to have them as his children and family – yet his children will tell you how blessed they are to have had him as their dad.
Andy Anderson leaves behind a wife of 63 years, Mary Gail Anderson of Memphis, TN; Andy also leaves behind three children, Mel (Cheryl) Anderson of Maumelle, AR, Melanie (Bobby) Hawkins of O’Fallon, MO, Gail (Jeff) Mayo of Arlington, TN; Andy also leaves behind five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; Grace Mayo of Arlington, TN, Jonathan (Hannah) Hawkins and of Bartlett, TN and Micah Hawkins (great grandchild), Joshua (Lacey) Hawkins of Afton, MO and Endry Hawkins (great grandchild), Andie Hawkins of Maplewood, MO, Nathan (Janae) Anderson of Norman, OK, and David Anderson of Maumelle, AR; Andy’s siblings are Ande Payne of Lakeland, TN, Robert Anderson of Tennessee Ridge, TN, Mary Brumitt of Memphis, TN, and Ruth Lyles (Late) of Horn Lake, MS.
Andy was a member of Cornerstone Church on Whitten Road in Bartlett, TN. Funeral services will be at Family Funeral Care, located at 4925 Summer Ave. on Saturday, December 17th. Visitation is from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. Funeral services to follow at 2 PM. Interment will be held at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN 38134, immediately following the service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FamilyFuneralMemphis.com for the Anderson family.
