Larry Anderson

ROGERSVILLE - Larry (Sheriff) Anderson 74, of Rogersville, Tennessee, passed away on January 23, 2023, from a brief illness surrounded by the loves of his life, his daughters.

He was born in Rogersville, Tennessee, to Dan and Gladys (Hensley) Anderson on November 11, 1948. He grew up in Rogersville, a town he loved and that holds such special childhood memories for him.

He had fond memories of spending time with his mother, father, and grandparents, as well as his beloved brother and sister, having fun with cousins and neighborhood friends, and his most loyal dog named Blackie. He attended Rogersville High School (class of 1966), where he developed a love for football (Go Vols) and created lifelong friendships. His childhood was an idyllic time in his life, and he loved to share stories from this time with his children and grandchildren. Larry went on to attend East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and angler. He owned a dozen fishing rods and enjoyed making his own lures. He knew the Holston River like the back of his hand and used to earn a living as a small child catching and selling stringers of fish to poor old fishermen who weren't as "lucky" as he was that day.

He loved to care for plants and his daughter liked to joke that he had a green soul. (The man could literally bring a dead stick back to life.) He enjoyed caring for his yard and took pride in it. He also enjoyed being outside with his dear adopted stray pet, Cat. He would sit on his porch in the summers listening to the call of birds, his wind chimes, and the bells playing hymns from the local church bell tower and would talk with his special neighbors.

Larry was a loving, kind, affectionate, and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who created a nickname for almost everyone. His children and grandchildren (his girls) were affectionately known as JJ, Bud, Legs, and Gracie. He looked forward to visits from his kids, grandkids, and seeing his great-grand babies; Gracey Jo and Deagan (who he would brag about to anyone who would listen). He also had a tendency to nickname his girls' friends, as well, and those same friends often referred to him as "Dad" or "Pops." Larry has been a father figure to many.

He instilled in his girls a love for family, friends, and life which was passed down to him from his adoring mother, Gladys. He loved attending sporting events when his girls played and many hours were spent catching fast pitches and shouting advice from the bleachers on how to perfect a strike or shoot a three-pointer.

He loved history (world and local) and had an amazing memory for facts. He told the most entertaining stories. Even in his last few days, he told stories from throughout his extraordinary life.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Jolynn (Stapleton) Anderson, to whom he was married for 34 years and missed terribly every single day after her passing. His adoring mother and best friend, Gladys Anderson, his father, "Sheriff" Dan Anderson, and his loving brother Danny Anderson.

He is survived by his "girls," children; Jennifer Michel and Christy Dorton and two amazing son-in-laws whom he loved like they were his own, Donnie Michel and Harley Dorton. Grandchildren: Charity Winegar (Lucas Price) and Grace Bond (Shawn Bond) and Drew Michel. His beautiful great grandbabies: Gracey Jo and Deagan.

His favorite sister and brother-in-law Debbie (Anderson) and Lynn Manis, and his special sister and brother-in-law Charlotte (Stapleton) and Elmo Dodson, as well as beloved nieces, great nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends whom he held close to his heart.

If Larry Anderson loved you, you knew it.

Larry will be missed by so many, and his girls would like to invite you to attend a celebration in honor of his extraordinary life, which will be held at Christian Sells Funeral Home which will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Saturday, January 28, 2023. Graveside service will follow at Highland Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.christiansells.com.