Courtney Anderson Jr.

In Wharton, Texas on a very cold Tuesday winter morning, January 16, 1953, God sent a special baby boy, Courtney Charles Anderson, Jr. to the late Rev. Courtney C. Anderson, Sr. and the late Mrs. Hazel C. Anderson. Not only would he bring warmth and love that cold winter day, he continued to do so to all who he encountered throughout his life.    Courtney accepted Christ at the young age of 8, and his father, Rev. Anderson, baptized him at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Courtney attended public schools in Dallas, Texas, Wharton, Texas, and La Marque, Texas.  Courtney was a phenomenal athlete and a star football player while attending La Marque High School.  A Galveston County newspaper clipping from 1970 stated, “He tackles like mad!”  Because of his athletic talents, Courtney received a slew of college scholarships, and after graduating from La Marque High School in 1971, he attended Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas and North Texas State University (now The University of North Texas) in Denton, Texas.  He married his college sweetheart, Phyllis Anderson, and to this union, three children were born.   Courtney worked as a process operator at Amoco Chemical Company and at Phibro Chemical Company. He later worked as a hall monitor at two schools in the Texas City Independent School District—Levi Fry Intermediate School and Texas City High School.  During that time, he also worked part time with the City of Texas City’s Parks and Recreation Department, and he was selected as one of the 1996 delegates to the National Civic League’s All-America City competition.  After suffering a blow from a massive stroke in the Fall of 1996, Courtney was forced into early retirement, but that did not stop him from being a devoted worker at his church, Mt. Paran Missionary Baptist Church, a constant caregiver for his mother, the most awesome, loving and babysitting PaPa ever, the epitome of what a “Super Dad” truly is, and a friend who was willing to help out anyone in need.  He never met a stranger.  He loved attending live sporting events and would watch just about any sport on television.  He loved watching both collegiate and professional football games.   Courtney had a wonderful relationship with God, and he loved working in his church. Courtney, affectionately called “Brother Anderson” by his church family, ensured that the church was clean and prepared for service each and every Sunday.  He was always willing to step in and help with the youth at Mt. Paran, all who he loved dearly; he also drove the church van ensuring that the members of Mt. Paran were able to attend church service locally as well as fellowship with other churches that may not have been close by.  Courtney served as Sunday School Superintendent, Brotherhood President, and on the Usher Board at Mt. Paran.  Courtney also worked faithfully with the Lincoln District Missionary Baptist Association.  He was, indeed, a very proud member of the La Marque High School Class of 1971.   God welcomed Courtney to his heavenly home on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Those who are mourning his earthly departure, but are indeed celebrating his arrival into God’s heavenly arms are his daughters, Comeka Anderson Díaz (José) of Houston, Texas and Shahara Anderson of Texas City, Texas; his son, Courtney C. Anderson III of Texas City, Texas; his grandson, Myles J. Castillo of Texas City, Texas; his brother, Taylor R. Smith, Sr. (Antoinette) of Hilo, Hawaii; his former wife with whom he remained close friends, Phyllis Anderson of Texas City, Texas; his godson, Joshua Bellow of League City, Texas; a truly devoted niece who served as his medical liaison, Orlanda N. Smith of Pearland, Texas; his best friend, Andrew Callis of Texas City, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.    He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Courtney C. Anderson, Sr., his mother, Hazel C. Hendon, great-grandmother, Ophelia Hendon, brother, Willie Anderson, sister, Crystal King, brother, Isaac H. Anderson, aunt, Rosa Lee Jones, uncle, Norris A. Hendon, and niece, Hazel “DD” Anderson, and other loved ones.