Mr. Anderson accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 29, and was a member of Westwood Baptist Church, Nashville, TN for more than 60 years. He served the Church as a Sunday School Teacher, a Royal Ambassador Leader, and a Deacon. In recent years, even though his eyesight was failing him, he enjoyed listening to his Bible reader. When I recently asked how many times through the years he had read or listened to his Bible entirely, he wouldn’t make a guess, but he finished the conversation by saying, “Not enough.” The last time he attended church was two weeks before his passing; he was always so appreciative of going to church. As soon as he would get settled back at home after attending church, he would begin talking about “next Sunday.” Recently, we talked about Heaven and what it would be like, and my dad simply said, “I think it will be beautiful, and I will be able to see it all.”
He trained as a Printer after serving in the US Army during the Korean War as a mechanic in Germany. Mr. Anderson enjoyed activities ranging from Golf to making his much-loved Tennessee Toffee Candy at Christmas, to playing competitive, yet friendly games with his grandchildren.
A creative dream realized was when he signed up for stained glass art classes, where he shared many creations with family and friends. His grandchildren have many stain-glass Christmas tree ornaments they
received yearly, as well as night lights and kaleidoscope airplanes that provided lots of time looking at beautiful colors as children, and now, a treasure to hold on to from their grandpa.
As we’ve looked through many family photographs, memories that have warmed our hearts, also provided memories that have put smiles on our faces and even roar with laughter. We miss him greatly already, but we are so thankful for the love he gave us and the wonderful memories that will comfort us.
Do you have a good memory to share? Tell us! We love a good “Daddy/Grandpa story!”
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Oscar and Minnie Malinda Woods Anderson, and his siblings, Franklin Herrald Anderson, Florrace Vernell Anderson Hunt, Dorothy Virginia Anderson Grimmett, and Mary Elizabeth Anderson Perdue.
He is survived by his second wife, Nina Sue Partin Shields Anderson, and his daughter, Gwendolyn Denise Anderson Burns.
Howard is also survived by two special daughters, Billie Sue Shields and Joni (Chris) Shields Campbell.
He leaves behind grandchildren, S. Hunter Burns, Hillary Burns, Emily Burns, and Mallory Burns, as well as great-grandchildren, Braelin Burns and Lincoln Burns.
Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
A visitation will be held on December 6, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Moss-Service Funeral Home, located at 1901 2nd Ave North West, Cullman, Alabama. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life Funeral Service will take place at the same location at 11:00 am. The graveside committal service will be held at New Prospect Baptist Cemetery, 5625 Co Rd 38, Cullman, Alabama. The family wish to extend a very special thank you to Rev. Tommy Graves for officiating Mr.Anderson's home going service.
Fond memories for the Anderson family and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mossservicefh.com. Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
