MSgt. (Ret) Anthony Sylvester Anderson, Sr.

MSgt. (Ret) Anthony S. Anderson, Sr., 75, passed peacefully to be with the Lord surrounded by loved ones on Sunday May 12, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on April 15, 1949, in Elloree, South Carolina, to parents, Marcelle Augusta and Thomas Malachi Anderson, Sr. Anthony grew up on a farm and learned to tend to different crops and bring the harvest to various markets for sale. He was a member of the NAACP and active with Granger Baptist Church in his youth.

Anthony graduated from Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina and completed some college at Claflin University. He decided to join the military and he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years primarily working in military personnel. He did two tours in Vietnam and was stationed in multiple locations overseas and in the United States. His favorite duty station was Clark AFB, Philippines where he met the love of his life, Melissa, and they were married in 1980. They have two children together, Michelle and Anthony Jr.

After Anthony retired from the Air Force in 1989, he decided to pursue a career with the Department of Justice (DOJ). He believed he could better learn the immigration process and help others. To Anthony’s surprise, he was selected for a position with DOJ after what he thought was a failed application attempt. He was an immigration inspector and in-processed countless people at LAX Airport. He was employed with multiple Federal Agencies but a majority of his time as a civil servant was with DOJ and then Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In DHS, he finished off his career as the first Bond Control Specialist in Texas at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) San Antonio District Office. He “built” the position and it is now used at multiple offices nationwide. In 2011, he retired after 21 years as a civil servant.

Even after his retirement, Anthony helped many people better understand the immigration process to include Melissa’s family. Anthony had a love for helping others. He worked hard and lovingly helped his wife with her small businesses and was always involved in his children’s lives. He put God first and did his best in everything. He trusted God completely. He was a good husband. He was a good father. He was a good person. He did whatever needed to be done in order to provide for his family and nothing was beneath him. He was very humble and had a smile that lit up the room. He loved being with his wife, kids and grandkids.His presence will be missed but his legacy carries on through his family.

He was preceded in death by parents, Marcelle Augusta and Thomas Malachi Anderson, Sr.Anthony is survived by his wife, Melissa Danan Anderson; son, Anthony S. Anderson, Jr.; daughter, Michelle Danan Thephavithy (James); and four grandchildren; Keiana Journey Anderson, Mersonia Anne Thephavithy, Maelani Sophie Thephavithy, and Elijah James Thephavithy; stepmother Hattie M. Anderson; siblings; Colonel (Ret) Dr. Thomas M. Anderson Jr. (BJ), Major General (Ret) Rodney O. Anderson Sr. (Linda) and Anita A. Fersner (Alvin).

Chaplain Al Owens will officiate.

Please click here to view the services for MSgt. (Ret)Anthony Sylvester Anderson, Sr.

VISITATIONTHURSDAY, MAY 23, 20243:00 – 4:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

FUNERAL SERVICETHURSDAY, MAY 23, 20244:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

RECEPTIONTHURSDAY, MAY 23, 20245:00 - 7:00 P.M.PORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST

GRAVESIDE SERVICEFRIDAY, MAY 24, 20249:15 A.M.FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERYSHELTER #3

RECEPTION TO FOLLOWS.A. CREEKSIDE – CLUBHOUSE4834 SENISA SPRINGSSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78251