Bobby Dee Anderson

Bobby Dee Anderson, 80, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home in Fredericksburg, Virginia on May 25, 2025, with his loving wife of 20 years, Sally Cooney Anderson, at his side.

Bobby was born on November 18, 1944 in Waycross, Georgia to France Junior Anderson and Leona Amanda Hassebroek. He grew up in Manhattan, Kansas and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1958, graduating from Washington High School in 1962. After High School, Bobby enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in a Military Intelligence Unit in Germany until 1965. He was a first-generation college student, and following his military service, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in 1970 and a Master of Public Administration degree from George Washington University in 1977.

Bobby’s life and career were devoted to public service. He had a long and distinguished career as a federal civil servant from 1966 to 2006, with positions at Central Intelligence Agency, National Park Service, Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Dept. of Defense – Office of Inspector General, Uniformed Services University, and Washington Headquarters Services – Dept. of Defense. Bobby was a graduate of the Naval War College (1987) and taught Organizational Behavior and Project Management courses at Columbia Union College and the University of Phoenix from 1997-2005.

Bobby volunteered his time and talents in support of numerous causes, embodying the spirit of generosity, compassion and service that touched the lives of many. His life-long commitment to community service was an inspiration to his family and friends. He volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters National Capital Area and Rappahannock Area. Bobby also served in Leadership/Board of Director positions at Lions Club, Rappahannock Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), FailSafe-ERA, The Holiday Project, Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, Rappahannock United Way and Sunrise for All.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and twin brothers, F. J. and Alan Anderson. He is survived by his wife Sally, his two children Kevin Merritt Anderson (Inas), Kristen Nicole Gaffney (Mike) and his first wife June Lumpkin. His grandchildren and great-grand child were an immense source of pride and joy to Bobby and he is survived by grandchildren Julia McCann (Chandler), Olivia Swanson (Jerry), Joseph Anderson, Megan Gaffney, Laura Gaffney, Shannon Gaffney, and his great-grandson Brody McCann.

Beyond his professional and volunteer activities, Bobby was a devoted family person. He loved travelling to family gatherings and attending his grandchildren’s school and athletic events. His legacy is one of inspiration and dedication. His profound love for family, friends and community will be remembered and cherished. Bobby’s life serves as a testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and the importance of making meaningful connections.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: FailSafe- ERA www.failsafe-era.org, or Rappahannock Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) – www.rappahannockcasa.com/donate in remembrance of Bobby’s dedication to giving back and helping others.