Raymond Lloyd Anderson

Born in Plano, Illinois on May 30, 1936, Raymond was the son of the late Milo and Genevieve Anderson, and the brother of 10 siblings, Rachel, Ron, Ruby, Rose, Harley, Betty, Curt, Harry, Judy and Janet. After graduating from high school, Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy, where he completed multiple tours, rose to the title of Chief Yeoman and retired after 23 years of service.

He married Betty Ezell on June 2, 1962, at the Pensacola Naval Air Station base. They shared a wonderful 62 years together until his death.

After retiring from the Navy in Athens, Georgia in 1978, Raymond, Betty and their two children, Vicky and Raymond Jr., moved to Toccoa, Georgia, where he managed the Toccoa Skate Inn for 6 years. He quickly became a local legend, creating a trusted space for kids and teens looking for a safe, fun environment to make memories.

Raymond was an active member of Sunnyside Baptist Church, where he was also a proud participant of the Singing Saints, the church’s choir. During retirement, he also shared his passion for history with others as the caretaker for the Traveler’s Rest Historic Site in Toccoa.

He is survived by 5 of his siblings, his wife Betty, his children Vicky and Raymond Jr., daughter-in-law Aubrey, and his six grandchildren, Summer, Emily, Jessie, Cohen, Miles and Langley. His family was the ultimate joy and pride of his life.

Raymond loved with no condition and gave generously with no limit. He understood the comfort of quiet presence, the power of showing up, and the joy of sprinkling a little silliness into every conversation. His incredible devotion to his family and his values of loyalty, generosity and servant-hearted leadership will be his legacy.

A gathering of family and friends for Raymond will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, Georgia 30606. Following the gathering of family and friends will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, Georgia 30606.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Sunnyside Baptist Church, 1154 Mize Road, Toccoa, Georgia 30577.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.