William Raymond Anderson's Obituary
William (“Bill” or “Andy”) Raymond Anderson, beloved husband and treasured father, was born on March 5, 1930 in Eldorado, KS and stepped away from this life on August 28, 2014 at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 23 days. Bill lived in Broken Arrow, OK and passed away peacefully in his home from natural causes.In 2002, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Lee Belvin, and in 2007, Bill married Ruby May Garrett who survives him. Bill was a treasured father to and is survived by his children Sherry Lynn Anderson, Pamela Sue Harris, Cynthia Kay Fox (and son-in-law Roger Fox), David Raymond Anderson (and daughter-in-law Dondi Anderson), and Mary Beth Anderson (and partner Alicia Dolfinger). Bill had 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He also had 4 brothers, 1 sister, 5 step-brothers and 3 step-sisters.Bill was raised in Marlow, OK and graduated from Marlow High School in 1948. He immediately went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., where he worked until he retired in December 1991. Bill loved working for the telephone company and had the distinction of never missing a day of work in 39 years. Over the years, Bill’s career enabled him to live in cities all over Oklahoma, including Ponca City, Stillwater, Tonkawa, Cushing, Tulsa, Muskogee, Ardmore, Lawton and finally in Broken Arrow.Bill loved his family with all of his heart and spent most of his time working to ensure that they were well cared for. He was married to Dorothy for 54 years, and when she was stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease, Bill lovingly and patiently cared for her for 15 years until her death. A few years later, Bill was fortunate and blessed to marry Ruby Clawson Garrett, who he loved and shared his life with for 7 years. Bill was a funny man with a dry wit and a ready answer for most questions. He was a private man who loved his friends and family with a warmth rarely seen. In his younger years, he loved square dancing, ballroom dancing, bowling, golf, BBQ-ing (which he did with great skill) and caring for his lawn. He loved well and was dearly loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.Public visitation is on Sunday, August 31 from 2pm-8pm. Family will be receiving friends and loved ones from 6pm-8pm on that date. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 10am at the Grace United Methodist Church in Tulsa, OK. Graveside service will be held at 1pm at Floral Haven Cemetery and Funeral Home.Memorial contributions can be made to either Grace United Methodist Church or The Alzheimer’s Association.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?