Deacon Willie James Anderson

Deacon Willie James Anderson was born May 28, 1936, in Boston, GA, to the late Deacon Leroy Anderson and the late Mother Willie B. Anderson.

He was reared in a Christian home in Barwick, GA, where he was groomed to be a Man of Excellence: a husband we could learn from, a father we could respect,and a man of God whom we now honor. As described by his family, Deacon Anderson was a man who loved deeply, worked hard to provide for his family, showed himself friendly through kindness and compassion and left a life-lasting impression on all who knew him.

Believing that marriage was intended to be a lifelong commitment and not a feeling, he pledged himself to Gertrude Johnson Anderson where they vowed to build on a solid foundation: love, trust, unity, prayer and most importantly, God. Throughout this marriage, children were added and Willie became a father of sacrifice and self-denial. He was employed for Joseph Produce for over 35 years - walking daily to and from work, so that his children could have transportation. He used his earnings to improve the quality of his family and those in need.

Understanding it was his responsibility to impart God’s wisdom not only to his children, but to his children’s children, Deacon Anderson joined Day Spring Baptist Church in 1955 and took spiritual responsibility for his own life. He served Day Spring faithfully as a Usher, Sunday School teacher and as a Deacon with his life motto being demonstrated daily: “A Charge to Keep I Have.”

On Monday, December 26, 2016, the Lord declared, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents: Ike and Viola Harrison, William and Mary Anderson; and one granddaughter: Latonya Michelle Pride.

Deacon Willie Anderson leaves his legacy of wisdom and integrity to his wife of fifty two years: Getrude Anderson; his five children: Frances Jean Pride, Michael Anderson (Sabrina), Caulia Keith Green, Sr. (Monica), Cheryl Hutcherson (Willie), and Cynthia Brinson (Eldred, Sr.); one brother: Willie Lee Daniels (Dorothy); ten grandchildren: April Pride, Caulia K. Green, Jr. (Mary), Kevin Green (Tiana), Rashad Anderson, Jasmine Brinson, William Hutcherson, Eldred Brinson, Jr., Cherelle Hutcherson, Jordan Anderson, and Sydney Anderson; five great-grandchildren: Sha’Que, Kaleb, Zoe’, Karter, and Cameron; two great-great-grandchildren: Samuel and Lillian; sisters and brothers-in-law: Samuel Clemons, Sr. (Lula), Kenneth Battle, Reginald Battle (Sharon), Franklin Johnson (Pam), Henry Johnson, Jr., Patricia Culpepper (Grady), Sandra Johnson, and Janice Johnson; two special devoted cousins: Nathaniel and Nathan Anderson; and a host of family and friends.

The celebration of life for the late Deacon Willie James Anderson will be held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:00am from the sanctuary of Day Spring Baptist Church.

Rev. Phillip Corker is the pastor and will officiate.

Interment will follow in Southview Cemetery.