James Freeman Anderson

In Loving Memory of James Freeman “HawHaw” Anderson

James Freeman “HawHaw” Anderson, 65, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Though cancer may have taken his body, it never took his spirit. He fought with the same grit, and determination that defined the way he lived his life.

Born in Dyersburg, Tennessee, James became a true Killeen boy at heart. He was a talented builder, contractor, and jack-of-all-trades who could build just about anything, but the greatest thing he ever built was a lifetime of memories with the people he loved.

James had a passion for barbecue competitions, riding motorcycles, karaoke, and living life to the fullest. Whether he was competing in a cook-off, singing his heart out at his barbecue restaurant, or making complete strangers laugh, he believed life was meant to be lived. In 2013, after “Cool Guy” was officially voted out, he proudly embraced the nickname “HawHaw,” and no one wore that title better. It became more than a nickname, it became who he was.

If you knew HawHaw, you knew laughter. He had a way of making every room brighter and every gathering more memorable. He was the life of the party, the one telling stories, pulling pranks, singing karaoke, and making sure everyone around him was smiling. But beneath the humor was a man who loved deeply, protected fiercely, and always knew when something wasn’t right. He valued honesty, loyalty, and family above everything else.

Some of his best stories became family legends. Like sneaking his dad’s cars off the lot as a young man, chasing his granddaughter Aspen down a snowy mountain on a snowboard, or fearlessly jumping into a foam pit with his grandkids only to discover getting out wasn’t nearly as easy. No matter his age, he was always willing to be a kid again if it meant making someone else smile.

His greatest title in life wasn’t builder, contractor, pitmaster, or biker, it was HawHaw. Being a grandfather was the role he cherished most. Whether he was hiding Easter eggs, cheering from the sidelines at every game, celebrating every milestone, or simply showing up, his grandchildren knew they had someone who loved them without limits. He made each one of them feel special, and the memories they created together will be treasured forever.

James is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Anderson; his son, Dustin Anderson and wife Jordan; his daughter, Jayci Humphrey and husband Gary; and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Aspen, Kaysen, Cooper, Adeline, and Waylen. He is also survived by his sisters, Judith Atchison and husband Ricky, and Carolyn Renegar and husband Michael; along with his nieces and nephews, Christopher (Jen), Jeffrey (Kristi), and Shelley (Bear) and their children Emily, Logan, Kenzie, Kaci and Brylee were a big part of his world. James loved his friends deeply and cherished every moment with them

He was preceded in death by his father, Dolphus “Andy” Anderson, and his mother, Ollie Lucille Anderson, whom we know welcomed him home with open arms.

While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing Heaven gained one incredible man. We can only imagine him reunited with those who went before him, probably enjoying a brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tart with peanut butter in one hand while judging everyone’s weekend barbecue in the other. That thought brings a smile through our tears because it is exactly who HawHaw was.

His legacy is not measured by the homes he built or the trophies he may have won, but by the laughter he created, the lessons he taught, the love he gave so freely, and the family who adored him. His stories will continue to be told around dinner tables, his jokes will continue to be repeated, and his love will continue to live on in every child, grandchild, friend, and family member fortunate enough to have known him.

Cancer may have won the battle, but it never won against the man. His faith, his strength, his sense of humor, and his love for his family carried him until the very end. Though we weren’t ready to say goodbye, we find peace knowing he is no longer in pain and has finally found rest in the arms of his Savior.

So fire up the smoker, love your family hard, laugh until your sides hurt, and don’t overcook the brisket. he’ll be watching.

Until we meet again, HawHaw.

Visitation will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 765421654, US, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be on July 31, 2026 from 3:00-6:00 PM at 13178 S. Ft Hood Street in Killeen, TX.