Billy "Bill" R. Anderson

Billy Ray “Bill” Anderson of Remlap, AL was born in Vinemont, AL on February 11, 1939 and passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at the age of 81. He was a loving and devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather of seven, great grandfather of seven, a brother, uncle, and a friend who was very much loved and will be greatly missed. He graduated from West Point High School in Cullman County, AL, graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1961 with a BS Degree in Education and Biology, and was SGA President from 1960 -1961. Later he received a Master’s Degree and Class AA Education Certification from the University of Alabama. Bill was a lifelong educator, principal, and coach in the Birmingham, Tarrant, and Vestavia School Systems. He served as principal at L.M. Smith School, Banks High School, and Pizitz Middle School. He enjoyed throughout the years watching the accomplishments and achievements of his former students and faculty members. Bill was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities on the Administrative Board and the Building Committee, and sharing years of fun, fellowship, and travel adventures, with his wife, Celia, in leading the Fancy Free senior group. They made many years of fun memories with all their travels and adventures. He also served his country proudly and was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Celia Murphree Anderson; parents, Ernest and Girdie Anderson, a brother, Gordon L. Anderson, and a sister, Eva Anderson Baker. He is survived by his step-children, Cathy Cutcliffe Pilcher, Claire Cutcliffe Cole (Clifford) and Thomas “Tec” E. Cutcliffe, Jr.; brothers, W.H. Anderson, Bobby Anderson (Joan), his sister, Yvonne Anderson Sterling; seven grandchildren, Katherine Driver Eaton, Christina Keeney McClelland (Walter), Celia Keeney Johnson (Tim), Caroline Keeney Barnes (Chase), Peter Candler Cutcliffe, Riley Anderson Cutcliffe, and Daniel Blair Cutcliffe; seven great grandchildren; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Bill will always be remembered for his devotion to his family and his church, his tender heart for others, for helping, guiding, and challenging young people to personal growth and academic success in their lives, and his strong resolve and generosity in supporting friends, family and colleagues in times of hardship or need. He and Celia loved sharing their beautiful home in Blount County with family, church, and community groups through the years. Their “house in the country”, was a gathering place of love, laughter, food, and fellowship for 33 years of holidays, birthdays, weddings, and just plain fun. In his retirement years, Bill also enjoyed collecting and dealing in antique furniture.

We love you, Bill. Peace be with you.

Services will be held at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel on Friday, July 24, 2020 with visitation beginning at 10 am and the service time at 11 am. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.