Larry was born to the late Lloyd “Rocky” Anderson Jr. and Shirley Ford Anderson on November 6, 1955. Soon after, his little sister Tammy (Ray) Thompson joined their family, and he adored her until his last day.
He married wife Lori Edley Anderson, his “Sweet Magnolia”, on October 14, 2000. His love for her will never cease, even from Heaven- as he promised he would never stop loving her, even in death.
Together they blended a family of six children: James, Travis (Anna), and Audrey Anderson, and Andrew Simpson. Shortly after to be joined by the births of Jackson and GraceAnne. (And bonus son Jesse Vanzant) The family grew with the addition of grandchildren: Cameron, Anthony, Patricia, TJ, and Tucker. He was proceeded in death by son Jackson and grandson TJ.
The facts of Larry’s life are less important than the things that will be remembered about him. He was truly larger than life. He loved passionately, laughed joyously, was the most generous person anyone could ever hope to meet (literally giving the shirt off his back, and shoes off his feet). He never met a stranger. He loved his Lord, his wife, his family, friends, music, UNC Basketball, biscuits, and most of all his “Holy Kisses” – that he shared with hundreds, if not thousands, over the years. Larry also proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
His church family will remember his love of Jesus, generous heart, passion for the underserved, and his tireless devotion to the congregation and community.
His family will never stop missing him. He instilled the important things in life, his love of the Lord, his belly laugh, his teasing, his prayers, his hugs, and his terrible jokes.
They will never forget his unwavering strength, even when facing great physical difficulty the last two years.
They will not, however, miss his love — for the love he gave came from Jesus, and it goes on forever in all that he touched.
In addition to his mother, wife, children, sister, brother in law, and grandchildren, he is survived by bonus sister Gloria “Shine “ Dixon (James) , his mother and father in law, brother and sister in law, multiple nieces and nephews (proceeded in death by nephew Kevin Thompson), and too many amazing friends to list.
Celebration of Life will be Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church 5613 Western Avenue, Knoxville, Tn 37921.
Receiving for Friends and Family 4pm – 7pm
Celebration of Life to begin at 7pm.
Honorary pallbearers: Head pallbearer - Ray Thompson, Joe Dew, Scott Shonka, Phil Norris, Steve Wilburn, Ed Coppock, David Ruckart, George Edley, and Ken Urick.
In lieu of flowers, Larry’s wish was for donations to help in the care for and the education of his daughter GraceAnne Anderson ( https://www.gofundme.com/larry-anderson-memorial or to UMCOR.
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