Thomas Anderson Sr.

Thomas E. Anderson, Sr. was born January 7, 1936 in Henry County Alabama to Thomas and Martha Anderson. He gave his life to Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Newville, Alabama. He was educated in the local public schools in his community but left school in the 11th grade to serve proudly in the U.S. Army, he did a tour in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was motivated by his buddies and encouraged by his family to return to school after service. He graduated from Henry County Training School where he met Lillie. Tom attended, then, Alabama State College, Montgomery, Alabama, played in the band and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Music. He worked as Band Director and Basketball Coach in Thomaston, Alabama also Union Springs, Alabama. He also helped establish a jazz band with local musicians and played drums at social events on weekends. He moved his family to Michigan in 1969, seeking a different lifestylye. After a short stint at Ford Motor Company, he was employed by the School District of the City of Pontiac as an elementary gym teaher. He was also hired by Pontiac Parks and Rec. Dept. as a playground supervisor for after school and summer programs. The family also joined and served a St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. He loved to travel, and was an avid boater. He referred to himself as a "water nut". He enjoyed traveling the great lakes in Michigan and Canada, his favorite being the trip to Montreal with Lillie aboard the "Lil-Dee." In the school district, Tom was promoted to several administrative positions; Director o Community Relations, Supervisor in Personnel Department, Director of Personnel, Executive Director of Personnel and retired in 1997 after 28 years of service, as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Employee Relations. His job required him to negotiate between administration and the unions, an unpopular position, but he always took pride in his ability to be "firm but fair". His mission was to help provide a livelihood and benefits ot as many families and he could. He belived that God placed him there and put forth his best effort to fullfill his calling. Among his most cherished experiences was joining Word of Faith International Christian Center in 2000, and graduating from Bible Training Center with Lillie and Thomas, Jr. in 2004. Also, they became licensed and ordained ministers by Bishop Keith Butler. Tom was preceded in his death by his parents, Thomas and Martha Anderson, brother Lalkus Anderson, sister, Willow Jean Anderson He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife of 54 years, Lillie; children, Thomas Jr. Farmington Hills, Ronald, NYC, Deirdre Anderson, West Bloomfield and Donald (Paris), Houston, TX; handsome and adorable grand children, Thomas Charles lV, Donald Charles Jr., Lillie Noah, and Stephen Joseph; sisters, Myrllene Kincey Brown, Enterprise, Al.; nieces LaBrenda Barwick, Glen Allen, VA. Alice Kincey, Miami FL, Chelsea-Lyn Anderson Rudder, NYC; nephews, Nelson Barwick, Rocheerster Hills, MI, Johnathan Stanford, Atlanta, GA; sisters-in law, Johnnie Belle, Birmingham, Al, Allen Bulger, Detroit, MI. and many other loving family members and friends. Memorials: Alabama State University, Office of Development, P.O. Box 271, Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0271 Visitations: 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday, May 31st, 2012 at Pontiac Chapel of the Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home (map/driving directions) Services: In-state at 10:30AM, Service at 11:00AM at Word of Faith International Christian Center on Friday, June 1st, 2012 (map/driving directions) Cemetery: Perry Mount Park Cemetery 878 North Perry Street Pontiac, MI 48340 (map/driving directions)