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BORN

1961

DIED

2024

Eric Anderson Obituary

ANDERSON, Eric

Eric William Anderson, age 63, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully in his home on May 30, 2024. He was born on May 24, 1961, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Eleanor Shefferman and Norman Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his children, Ian, Henry, and Eva; and his grandchildren, Bowen and Brooks.

Eric went to La Follete High School, where he was the captain of the swim team and president of the a capella choir that toured Europe, singing at cathedrals in London, Amsterdam, and Paris. He then attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated with distinction in 1982, with a B.A. in Political Science. Four years later, he graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Eric began his legal career at Powell Goldstein in Atlanta, spending 12 years at the firm and making Partner. He then practiced at Paul Hastings for 3 years before joining Parker, Hudson, Rainer, and Dobbs, where he practiced bankruptcy and commercial finance law for the last 22 years. Eric was a Fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy, Director for the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute, Member of the Board of Directors of Meritas, and assumed leadership roles everywhere he served. Last month, Eric recieved the David W. Pollard Award - a lifetime achievement award bestowed upon a member of the Atlanta Bar who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the bankruptcy practice. In 2021, he was named Atlanta's "Lawyer of the Year" for Bankruptcy and Reorganization Law by The Best Lawyers in America and was consistently recognized as one of the top lawyers in his field by Chambers, Super Lawyers, and The Best Lawyers in America.

Despite all of the professional accolades and awards he received throughout his career, Eric was most proud of his family. He was a loving husband, and father, always making his wife and children a priority. He will be remembered as a man of integrity who treated everyone with kindness and respect, as a husband who adored his lovely wife, as a father whose children were his pride and joy, and as a grandfather who would always bring a smile to his grandchildren's faces. Eric was an avid golfer and foodie, and he loved spending time with his wife on the beach in St. Lucia and hiking in the mountains of Cashiers, NC. His infectious laugh filled the room and he made a positive impact on so many people throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ansley Golf Club, on Wednesday, June 12, at 1:00 PM. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and World Central Kitchen.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jun. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Anderson

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elisabeth

December 27, 2024

This cannot be. It just can´t. Eric was one of those rare people who had near total comprehension of your situation. His empathy level was kind of like an aura: you could approach him respectfully, tell him the truth, and his aura would kind of light up. He would look at you straight in the eyes, and listen to what you had to say. Next thing you knew, he would have you laughing-pain cancelled for another day!

I will never ever forget his unwavering devotion to his beautiful wife, Ellen, when she had leukemia. He was at least 50% of the reason that we are so fortunate to have Ellen with us today.

I loved our trips to Merrie Woode. I loved our sports teams. Our time at Sarah Smith and Ian´s invention for our New Ventures and Entrepreneurship Class. (I think I somehow still have it; will send to you, if I can ever dig it out of storage.) I loved Ellen´s completely dead-panned expression when she told me that Henry would be playing for the New York Jets. I´d long loved her dry sense of humor and deadpan deliveries; I knew she was joking about Henry. Then I looked it up on Wikipedia.

I loved and do love, most of all, the beauty, strength, and grace of the whole family, the closeness, Ellen´s cooking, Ellen´s sister, the whole family always being in there for one another.

It cannot be. The irony of it. The proof of the random unfairness of life. The proof of its astounding beauty, however short-lived.

Ellen, Ian, Henry, Eva, I am thinking of you so much. I only learned today (Dec. 27, 2024). I am heartbroken. Let me know how it is that I can help in the months ahead.

With love,
Elisabeth
I will tell Matt and Shack, I know they will want to help in any way they can, as well.

Douglas Powell

November 25, 2024

Eric was a great friend. His smile was infectious and his deep and hearty laugh will always be remembered. He accomplished so much. From his love of good food and wine, to being a fine golf partner, but most of all he was a fantastic husband and father. He was taken from us far too soon. God bless his soul.

Single Memorial Tree

Toni V. Walker

Planted Trees

Toni Walker

June 13, 2024

Our team had the pleasure of working with Eric in the last several years on a complex BK case in Atlanta, what a pleasure, smart, kind, speaking of his family so often, and keeping a sense of humor and negotiations centered, when all involved were beyond crazy. May his memory be a blessing, and we are fortunate to have worked with him and to have known him.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Hezekiah Sistrunk Jr.

Planted Trees

Bo Culver

June 12, 2024

Ellen:
We all hold so many fond memories of Eric. He was so much fun to be around with his quick wit, appreciative sense of humor, and positive attitude. I remember him as always upbeat and energetic. I have always been grateful for Eric inviting me on several of his buddy golf trips he organized. He was a great husband, father, and friend. My condolences to you and your family.

Tom Wiensch

June 5, 2024

It had been some time since Eric and I were in touch, but I have fond memories of our adventures together when we were young men - Backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains and Banff - and many swim meets and practices together. Ellen and family, and Ruth, Carl, and Marie - I hope that your sadness will be replaced with happy memories. You have my condolences. -Tom Wiensch

Harry Greenfield

June 5, 2024

Eric and I met when we were inducted into the American College of Bankruptcy. We were able to hang together at a a couple of ACB andNCBJ events. He was a great lawyer and truly good person. He will be missed.

Lori and Dave Oliver, Zack, Alex and Joe

June 5, 2024

Dear Ellen, we´re so saddened to hear of Eric´s passing. We will always remember Eric as your devoted, loving, laughing, active husband and dad to Ian, Henry and Eva. Our prayers are with you all.

Tanna Moore

June 5, 2024

Remembering a a leader with a wonderful sense of humor and humility. My blessings to friends and family.

Marsha Kelley

June 4, 2024

Ellen, remembering many happy times jeff& i shared with you and Eric. Prayers for you & your family as you endure this great loss. Such a lovely obit. Eric was truly astounding. What a mark he made on the world! -Marsha Kelley

Jay Jaffe

June 3, 2024

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Eric's passing. Since meeting Eric and Ellen on a yacht tour of Miami during a NCBJ, I have considered Eric to be a special friend. I am an avid Colts fan, and loved sharing stories with Eric about Henry's time on the team. "Back benching" with Eric at an American College of Bankruptcy event so that we could watch the Colts, and Henry, play on our smart phones. I am glad that I had the opportunity to host Eric for a round of golf at my club in Westfield, Indiana, and sad to realize that I will never have the chance for Eric to reciprocate. Ellen, you have my deepest sympathies. May the warm memories of Eric forever be a source of comfort to you.

David Krekeler

June 3, 2024

Ellen-
I am sure you do not know me, but I have known Eric for many years. I started my law firm in 1982, and Eric was one of our first, maybe the first, law clerk we ever had. I have followed his career, and occasionally had the pleasure of touching base with him. He was always, bright, articulate and helpful. I am sorry for his passing and for your loss.

Jeannie Ross

June 3, 2024

Ellen, I am deeply sorry for your loss. It´s been years since I have seen you but fond memories of our talks. Sending you love and prayers for support.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

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Memorial Events
for Eric Anderson

Jun

12

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Ansley Golf Club

GA

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