Edward Neil Anderson

From his first day to his last, Ed was a survivor.

Edward Neil Anderson passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the age of 66.

Born on February 3, 1960, in Alexander City, Alabama, Ed was the beloved son of Perry Neil Anderson and Denada Cecil Anderson. At birth, he faced a life-threatening congenital anomaly that required immediate transport to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, and multiple surgeries throughout his childhood and adolescence.

That story came full circle decades later when Ed returned to Children’s Hospital—not as a patient, but as a member of the Information Technology team. The place where he had once fought for his life later became the place where he used his gifts to serve others through his work. In the final chapter of his life, Ed faced more than twenty years of lung disease with steady courage and resolve, continuing to fight with the same strength that had marked his earliest days. Friends and family knew him as independent, determined, and endlessly curious.

Ed graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City before earning a

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Troy University. He began his career at Russell Corporation and later returned to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, where his work held meaning for him far beyond a job title.

Those who knew Ed knew he had a curious mind. He loved understanding how things worked and had a remarkable ability to explain complex ideas with clarity and precision. At times, he was simply too smart for his own good—a truth those who loved him will recognize with a smile. That curiosity also shaped his love for music, travel, and thoughtful conversation. One of Ed’s favorite places was Las Vegas, where he and his wife, Benita, were married on March 18, 2002.

Together, Ed and Benita built a life centered on faith, family—especially their beloved cats—and adventure. Whether riding motorcycles, driving with the top down, or traveling across the United States on road trips, they explored from Savannah to Las Vegas, and they embraced every opportunity to ride the roads. If you ever saw them together, chances are they’d be in matching shirts—a tradition that never failed to make friends and family laugh and shake their heads.

Ed was known by many names—Eddie, Ed, Edward, and at one time, “Rat.” Later in life, many respectfully called him “Mr. Anderson,” a title that always made his sister laugh. Whatever name he went by, those who knew him will remember his kindness, profound humility, and steady presence.

While Ed was often private about his faith, it was deeply rooted and unwavering. He was baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Alexander City, where he served in choir and youth ministry. Later in life, he and Benita attended The Sanctuary in Sylacauga.

Ed is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Valerie (Davis) Burnett, Allison Parker (Shane), his nephew, David Edward Burnett, his niece, Emily Windham, and numerous friends and extended family. He was also blessed by devoted caregivers who, though not related by blood, became family in every sense of the word. Their care, friendship, and love were among the greatest gifts of his later years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Perry Neil Anderson; his mother, Denada Cecil Pullium; and his beloved wife, Benita Judah Anderson.

A memorial service celebrating Ed’s life will be held on July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time at Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, Alabama. Friends and family will gather and visit ahead of the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Coosa Valley Medical Center Foundation or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization especially close to Ed’s heart.

Throughout his life, Ed met challenges with courage, curiosity, humility, and quiet determination. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory lives on in the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the example of a life well lived.