Published: May 15, 2008 04:52 pm         

Nealie T. Anderson

Sept. 11, 1930 — May 12, 2008



Nealie Thomas (Andy) Anderson passed away May 12, 2008. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, with a reception following in the church fellowship hall. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. at Spring Creek United Methodist Church, Riceville, TN.



Mr. Anderson was born Sept. 11, 1930, in Dyersburg, TN, the son of Hassell and Panolia Anderson.



He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in 1955 and graduated in 1957 with a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering. Upon graduating, he was employed by Monsanto Chemical Company doing research work in Decatur, AL, and later moved into Central Research in St. Louis, MO. He joined Bridgestone/Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. Polymer Division in 1969, located in Chester, VA, and retired from Central Research in Akron, OH, in 1989. He then became a consultant for Amoco Chemical Company Research Division located in Atlanta, GA.



He and his wife, Ann, moved to Fairfield Glade in 1996. He was a member of Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, where he sang in the Chancel Choir and Men's Ensemble. He directed the Tape Ministries program for the church, and with the help of friend Chuck Badgett, started a teddy bear program delivering teddy bears to children in the pediatric ward at Cumberland Medical Center. He also began an Operation Christmas Child program in the church, a program administered by the Rev. Franklin Graham, which delivers Christmas gift boxes to children all over the world. He was the first recipient of the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church Towel and Basin Award, given annually for outstanding service to the church and community. Additionally, he was spiritual leader for the Men's Prayer Breakfast which meets weekly.



He had a great love of music and sang with the Cumberland County Chorus for many years.



Survivors include his wife, Ann Barham Anderson; daughter and son-in-law, Joy and Alex Timar of Buford, GA; son, Anthony C. Anderson; granddaughter, Kayla Brooke Anderson of Morristown; brother, J.E. Anderson of Milan, TN; and sisters, Bernice Wilbur and Carolyn Austin of Dyersburg and Judy Gross of Leesburg, VA.



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Laverne Smith.



In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Rd., Suite 150, Calabasas Hill, CA 91301 or Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, 231 Westchester Rd., Fairfield Glade, TN 38558.



Bilbrey Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of the arrangements.