Obituary and funeral services: William L. ‘Andy’ Anderson, SMSgt, USAFR (Ret), 83, of Loganville

William L. “Andy” Anderson, SMSgt, USAFR (Ret.), age 83 of Loganville, Georgia, formerly of Bossier City, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday April 7, 2018. He was preceded in death by his father, Olin Leon Anderson, mother, Cleta Anderson, and brother, Thomas Haley Anderson.

A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at the Tim Stewart Fuenral Home in Loganville, Georgia. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday April 13, 2018 at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville, Georgia. Andy is survived by: Wife: Eula Anderson, Loganville, Georgia; Sons and Daughters-in-law: Kevin and Cindy Anderson, Loganville, Georgia; Kaylan and Jo Anderson, Pickens, Mississippi; Grandchildren: Ashlyn and Scott Hughes, Nathan and Suemy Anderson, Haley Anderson, Olivia Anderson, Hayden Anderson, Will Anderson, Anna Morgan Anderson; Several nieces, nephews and other family members also survive.

A native of Tupelo, MS, Andy gained a degree of notoriety early in life by being an elementary school classmate of Elvis Presley. Having a strong desire to serve his country, while also pursuing his passion for aircraft, and all things mechanical, Andy enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954. After completing Basic Training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, Andy was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, Offut Air Force Base, Omaha, NE, as an Aircraft Mechanic. Finding Nebraska winters too cold and lonely for a Son of the South to spend alone, Andy married the love of his life, the former Eula Mae Bean of Mantachie, MS, in August of 1956. For the next 61 plus years, Andy and Eula experienced life’s joys and hardships together. In 1962 Andy left active duty service, transitioning to the Air Force Reserve Technician (ARTs) Program where he spent the next 28 years with the 917th Tactical Fighter Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier City, LA. In this capacity, Andy served in the Civil Service and Air Force Reserve, retiring at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. A man of faith, Andy accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age, and spent his life living his Christian beliefs. Prayer and Scripture reading were an integral part of the Anderson home. Andy and Eula’s children and grandchildren took great comfort in knowing that “Nana and Pop” were continuously lifting them up in prayer. Andy also experienced great joy in spreading the Good News of the Gospel through his work with Gideon’s International. A member of First Baptist Church of Bossier City, LA, for almost 50 years, Andy and Eula were active church members, enjoying the fellowship of their fellow believers and friends. A multi-talented craftsman, Andy particularly excelled at working with wood. Whether building Pinewood Derby cars with his sons, or constructing a playhouse and airplane swing for his grandchildren to enjoy when visiting Nana and Pop’s house, the love, and attention to detail, imparted into every piece Pop created was evident. After spending over 50 years making their life in Bossier City, Andy and Eula moved to Loganville, Georgia, in 2015 in order to be close to family. For the past 3 years Pop enjoyed the daily interactions with family members, and newly made friends. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend entered into his Heavenly Father’s Kingdom in the early morning hours of April 7,, 2018. He is gone from our presence, but will live forever in our hearts. The family wishes to thank the staff of Eastside Gardens Assisted Living Community, Snellville, GA, Eastside Medical Center, Snellville, GA, and MeSun Hospice, Lawrenceville, GA, for their dedicated care and service. In lieu of flowers the family request donations are made to the Gideon’s International. Tim Stewart Funeral Home 670 Tom Brewer Road Loganville, Georgia 30052. 770-466-1544. Online Condolences may be left at www.stewartfh.com