Reuel "Sonny" Anderson Jr.

1928 - 2016

Reuel Lacy "Sonny"

Anderson, Jr.

Reuel Lacy "Sonny" Anderson, Jr., longtime resident of Baton Rouge, LA passed away peacefully at his home Friday, December 30, 2016 at the age of 88. He was born on May 23, 1928 in Shreveport, LA. He was a graduate of Byrd High School and attended Centenary College. He began his career in the industrial-insulation contracting business with Aber Insulation, Inc. In 1962, a local Baton Rouge branch of Aber Insulation became ANCO Insulation, Inc., which was the beginning of an entrepreneur career that included numerous successful businesses across the southeast and southwest United States and abroad. ANCO Insulations, Inc. grew to be one of the largest industrial insulation contractors in the country. ANCO and Basic Industries, Inc. employed approximately 3,000 workers. Other businesses founded by him were Southern Equipment in 1966, Scaffolding Rental & Erection Services in 1967, co-founded FAMCO Enterprises in 1968. He co-founded Distribution International in 1986 and was still active in business as a co-founder of Louisiana CSI, LLC in October 2005. Mr. Anderson served as Chairman of the Board of Capital Bank and a board member of Hibernia National Bank. He was recognized by the Baton Rouge Business Report as one of the Top Ten CEO's in Baton Rouge and served as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the National Insulation Association. He was a founding Partner member of The Country Club of Louisiana and The Bluffs. He was also a member of The Baton Rouge Country Club and The City Club. He was an avid LSU fan, member of the Tiger Athletic Foundation, the LSU Foundation and supporter of the LSU Construction Management Program.

Known by so many as one that truly loved people and life, he never met a stranger, and after spending the slightest amount of time with him, strangers quickly became friends. His love for hunting, fishing and most outdoor activities centered around the friends and relationships that are so fundamental to those activities. He was a founding member of The Marsh Club outside of Lake Charles, LA where he enjoyed his passion of the outdoors and entertaining, with friends. He always had a quick smile, a welcoming handshake and sincere joy in his eye when seeing you. When you were with him, you sensed that he didn't want to be anywhere else, and neither did you. The connection that he made with people - all people, in all walks of life - lasted forever. From that first smile, the shake of his hand, and the way he looked you in the eye, he had made you his friend, and you felt it. He was genuine.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Lee Marshall Anderson; children, Beverly Locke Anderson Walker (David Marshall Walker) of St. Francisville, LA, Joan Helm Anderson Ballis (John Addison Ballis) of Houston, TX, Daniel Lacy Anderson (Betty Jean Frysinger Anderson) of Baton Rouge, LA and Patrick Kenney Anderson (Kim Lee Newton Anderson) also of Baton Rouge, LA.; grandchildren, Juneann Sonnie Anderson Walker, Reuel Lacy Anderson Walker, Lacy Anderson Ballis, John Addison Ballis, Jr., Kate Elizabeth Anderson, Madeleine Helm Anderson, Daniel Luther Boone Anderson, Abby Lee Anderson, Patrick Kenney Anderson, Jr., and Luke Newton Anderson; stepchildren, Glen Marshal and Lisa Marshall both of Baton Rouge. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, June Ann Boone Anderson; father, Reuel Lacy Anderson; mother, Lucille Mullin Anderson; and sisters, Francille Anderson Haygood, Sarah Jane Abney and Betty Matilda Boone.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Bourgeois, Patrick Anderson, Jr., Boone Anderson, Luke Anderson, John Ballis, Jr. and Reuel Walker. Honorary Pall bearers are Joe Williams, Jim Hoover and Glen Marshall.

The family would also like to thank his caregivers, Lynn McKinley, Brenda Byrd, Linda Atkins, and Leo Zeno who so kindly and compassionately cared for Sonny in the final years of his life.

A memorial service honoring the life of R.L. "Sonny" Anderson, Jr. will be held on Thursday January 5, 2017 with visitation from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at Rabenhorst Funeral home 825 Government Street Baton Rouge, LA followed by a gravesite service at Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, St. Francisville, LA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sonny's name to the charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www. rabenhorst.com.

Rabenhorst Funeral Home - Baton Rouge, LA (225) 383-6831