Andy Anderson

KERNERSVILLE – Mr. Cecil O. “Andy” Anderson, 82, passed away peacefully Friday, April 13, 2018 at his home surrounded by love. Andy was born March 26, 1936 in Leesville, SC to Henry R. and Bell Whittle Anderson. He was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, NC. Andy became a Young Warrior in February 1952 at 16 years of age, when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was chosen to represent the US Marine Corps in Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1953 presidential inaugural parade. In May 1955, after an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Andy enlisted in the US Army, where he earned his parachutist badge and was assigned to the 504th Regiment 82nd Airborne. Set up on a blind date by an army friend, Andy met Carolyn J. Dickey of Hillsborough, NC, who after a brief courtship, eloped with him to Chesterfield, SC and has been his wife for 62 years. After the Army, Andy went back to SC where he worked for Taylor Poultry, Schlitz Distribution and Schafer Distributing. Then a move back to NC, where Andy worked for Pabst Blue Ribbon Distributing, McLean Trucking and Pilot Freight, which brought him and his family to Kernersville in 1970. Andy was a former member of the Kernersville Planning Board, a coach for a Kernersville Little League Baseball Team for many years, as well as a coach for a Kernersville All-Star Baseball team. Andy was a past Master of the Kernersville Masonic Lodge #669, member of OASIS Shriners, VFW Post #5352 and a business member of the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce. He loved playing golf, as he enjoyed the friendship of each game and the challenge of each course. In 1995, he opened Andy’s Rapid Lube, of which he very proudly provided a family operation as it is operated today by his four sons. For 23 years, Andy got great pleasure of operating the shop because he considered each and every customer a friend and cherished each conversation he had with them. In addition to his parents, Andy was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruby Shumpert and Grace McCaston. Andy is survived by his wife, Carolyn Anderson; four sons, Keith Anderson (Melody), Chuck Anderson (Teresa), Mark Anderson, all of Kernersville, and Kevin Anderson (Gidget) of Belews Creek; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Henry R. Anderson of FL; one brother- in-law; five sisters-in-law; and nephews, nieces and cousins. With Andy’s passing, the golf foursome is complete again, as he joins his great friends Carl, James and Zeb. A funeral service was held Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Union Grove Baptist Church. The four sons are so grateful to their mother for the nurturing and love she provided their father until he completed life’s journey to his Saviour. The family would like to give a heartfelt “thank you” to Brent & Carolyn Triplett and the many neighbors and friends who have been so kind over the many years to help with doctor appointments and comfort. They also extend special thanks to Dr. Sherry Ryter-Brown and staff, Dr. Eugene Paschold, Paula Norman and staff of Novant Health Oncology, Dr. Charles P. Katopes and staff of Kernersville Novant Digestive Health Specialists, the staff of Forsyth and Kernersville Novant Medical Centers, Roy Lewter and staff of Gateway Pharmacy, and Rowan Hospice & Palliative Care. It was Andy’s request that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Union Grove Baptist Church, 5424 Union Grove Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. (hayworth-miller.com)