Anderson "Bud" Mansel

For anyone who knew him, Bud’s true passion in life was music. Inspired by his favorite guitarist, the great Chet Atkins, he started his first band at the age of 13, and by 1955 he was playing lead guitar for early rock n’ roll acts on several local radio shows. His band “Rockin’ Andy & the Cool Cats” headlined local sock-hops like “Teen Time at the Tivoli” in the historic Tivoli Theater, and he played live behind artists ranging from Barbara Fairchild to Roy Orbison. In the 1970’s he transitioned to pedal steel guitar, where he played every venue from local honky tonks like the Tennessee Valley Playhouse to the historic Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ol’ Opry. In his later years, Bud continued his love of making music by playing on Sundays for friends and family at the Flat Top Mountain Independent Church. Bud passed on his love of music and life to his two children.

Bud had a tremendous love for the outdoors. He was a great storyteller and enjoyed reminiscing about his hunting and fishing escapades with friends and family. In his later years, he and his beloved wife, Anna Mansel were active members of their church community. He took great pride in his commitment to the church, changing the marquee-style sign weekly, come rain or shine. He also developed a love for woodworking. Alongside his grandson, they crafted many projects for family and friends. Ultimately, He was a man that fiercely loved God, family, and his church community.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Anderson Bedford and Bertie Mae Mansel Sr.; his first wife, Dorothy Ann Pell Mansel; and sister, Delores Jenkins.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie Mansel of Soddy Daisy, TN; his children, Sharon (Rickie) Dent, of Soddy Daisy, Jason (Leleña) Mansel, of Vallejo, California, Ann (Rob) Chaney, of Millington, TN, Judy Adams, of Drummonds, TN, and Wendy (Robert) Bright, of Munford, TN; sister, Charlotte Williams, of Soddy Daisy; his grandchildren, Gabe (Katelyn) Dent, Lillian Dent, Amanda (Johnie) Ford, Rip Holloway, Reese (Cheyenne) Holloway, Jazmine Ross, Jackson Ross, Hunter (Doris) Wade, Savanna (Alex) Eggenberger, and Samantha Wade; 10 great grandchildren; a niece, Tammy Jenkins; and nephew, Dee Posey.

Funeral services will be conducted from the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, at 11:00 AM, on Thursday March 17, 2022 with Kevin Shelton, and Mark Harwood officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening March 16, 2022, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Flat Top Independent Church Building Fund.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com