Thomas Franklin Anderson

Born in Tallahassee, to Raymond Anderson and Lucy Wilder Anderson, Tom adored Tallahassee and all things Florida, his family, his friends, his dogs, and nature.

Tom attended Sealy Elementary, Raa Jr. High, and Leon High School, Class of 1965, where he lettered in Track & Field. He loved being a part of the baby boom generation and had a passionate appreciation of the music, movies, television and aloes of his unique cohort.

After high school, Tom served in the U.S. Air Force, being stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War Era. After being honorably discharged, he attended college at TCC, at which he served on the Talon newspaper and was a number of Phi Beta Kappa.

Tom had a great wanderlust and fulfilled his childhood ambition of being a “hobo" by hitch-hiking across the great country, working his way from town to town and acquiring an encyclopedic knowledge of its most breathtaking scenic areas. He also used this time to read the great classic works of literature. While he never became the next Kirovac, he could discuss with authority his works and those of Hardy, Hemingway and James Joyce. Tom returned to Tallahassee to attend Florida A&M University graduating with a B.A. in journalism. In the following years he worked with several news publications throughout Florida and Texas. He was at one point the editor of the Monticello Times.

Tom cared for his beloved Mother, Lucy, throughout her battle with Cancer, and when her death was quickly followed by that of his father, Tom found solace in his love for nature. He acquired a degree in horticulture from Lively Vo-Tech, and the remainder of his career years were spent gardening.

Along with gardening, nature, literature and music, Tom loved photography and animals - especially his dogs Frankie and Scotty Brown.

He was preceded in death by his Parents Lucy and Raymond Anderson and his sister Jo Ann Anderson. He is survived by his beloved wife Suzy Anderson and her family who loved him dearly, adopting him as a son, a brother, and an uncle. These include: Father, Robert F. Mitchell; and family Bob & Sally Mitchell, Williston Park, N.Y; George & Jane Mitchell, Barre, VT; Paul & Rashell Mitchell, Pensacola, FL; Greg & Molly Taylor, and their children Errin and Gary Diskerud, Tallahassee, FL; Dolly Mitchell & Richard Gott, Crawfordville, FL; and his faithful caregiver Thomas Campbell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and their grandchildren.

We will all miss you, Beloved Tom. Rest easy in the Arms of Our Savior.