Larry Ross Anderson

A little bit of stardust has left earth. Larry Ross Anderson, 65, of Oak Ridge North and Galveston, Texas passed away in the presence of his family on June 3, 2018.

He will be remembered as a coach, mentor, devoted husband and father.

An avid, conscientious traveler, he was committed to encouraging opportunities for culture, education and respect for others. As a father, he elevated story time by reading Mark Twain and James Thurber and enlivened career day by leading parachute games and guest teaching PE.

A classically trained pianist with a penchant for rock and soul, Larry’s life was punctuated by art and song. His wife, Debra, walked down the aisle on their wedding day to music — a pentatonic scale with black keys only — he both composed and performed. He played in bands throughout Houston and participated in impromptu sessions while traveling. Christmas carols for his zany family traditions and hymns for his grandmother-in-law were staples at family gatherings. Larry celebrated the birth of his granddaughter, Adriana, by writing her a lullaby. He received a BA in Art History from the University of Houston. His home is a constant space of musical and art education, filled with playful variety.

Larry enjoyed an active lifestyle. He was a high school gymnast and enjoyed playing basketball in his twenties and thirties. For years, he rode his bicycle to work and enjoyed brisk walks in the neighborhood and along East Beach with his wife collecting pieces of sea glass washed up by the waves. He climbed Kilimanjaro with his daughter, cartwheeled over the equator, and has done handstands on walls, bridges and waterfalls from Scotland to Brisbane.

This passion for athleticism led him to a fulfilling career in gymnastics. He coached and mentored numerous athletes at Biron’s Gymnastics in Houston, Texas in the ‘80s. He and his wife founded Flips Gymnastics in Oak Ridge North, Texas. He was successful in his commitment to providing a place where children can trust a group of adults. Larry was a self-identified “wanderer” and an effective, supportive leader who mastered management by walking around. He enjoyed tinkering and was fond of reflecting that “his worst days are better than some people’s best days.” Students are encouraged to become strong and flexible in body and mind, and teachers honor him by teaching a great class. His legacy continues.

Larry approached life with purpose, joy and an easy ability to laugh. He chose to celebrate his life (in attendance) on March 25, 2018 with “Mr. Larry’s Wonderful Life” — a reunion of friends, family and former students at Flips Gymnastics. Sunshine, stories and laughter were abundant, along with food trucks, a DJ and open gym for children.

Larry is fondly remembered by his loving wife of 43 years, Debra Lee Anderson; his parents, Ross and Shirley Anderson; his brother, John Anderson, and his wife, Lucy; his son, Eric Anderson, and his wife, Africa Flores; his daughter, Rebecca Anderson; and his granddaughter, Adriana Flores-Anderson.

A private ceremony was held for immediate family members on June 5, 2018. In lieu of flowers, Larry and his family request donations to: Texas Gymnastics Foundation (a non-profit booster club for Flips’ girls gymnastics team; make checks payable to TGF sent to 27320 Robinson Rd., Oak Ridge North, TX 77385), Montgomery County Gymnastics Booster Club (a non-profit booster club for Flips’ boys gymnastics team; make checks payable to MCGBC sent to 27320 Robinson Rd., Oak Ridge North, TX 77385), or Planned Parenthood (location of your choice).

To honor his memory, go for a walk. Book a cruise. Make a child laugh. Watch a good teacher teach. Enjoy late night counsel and friendship over a glass of good red wine. And never talk business on Sundays.