Herbert Anderson

WRENS, Ga. - Mr. Herbert Anderson, 84, went to be with Jesus and other loved ones on April 18, 2008. He was the beloved husband of Mahala C. Anderson, who felt he was a good, caring, and generous man. He was a member and deacon of Wrens Baptist Church and the Walter Jacobson Sunday School Class. An encourager and sympathizer, he genuinely loved people and was interested in their inner hurt and pains. He could communicate with children and young people, as well as adults. They all knew he cared, whether it was a joy or sadness they shared with him. Herbert was a native of Wrens, Ga. he served in the Army Air Corps, as an aerial engineer on a B-17, flying missions over Northern Italy and Germany, during World War 11. He was a good, honest, self disciplined businessman having owned and operated Anderson's Dept. Store in Wrens for over 30years, retiring in 1989. After retiring, he read to students at the Wrens Elementary School for about 6 years. This was one of the most rewarding things he ever did. The children grew up remembering him; many told him he made a big impact on their lives. This was a blessing to him. He was known as the CANDYMAN at school, church and the community, because he carried candy with him for the children. He said you could see the candy disappearing, but his love just kept replenishing. He touched the lives of thousands with his love and candy. This was so special and important to him. He was a giving man who shared with many people materially and otherwise. Someone told Herbert "you might be small in stature, but you are such a big man" because of the many things he did for others. He felt this was one of the nicest compliments he ever had. He was a well mannered gentleman. Through the years many people have ask him if he was a preacher. He liked visiting shut-ins and semi-shut-ins, taking them a small box candy or cookies. He liked taking 2 or 3 out to eat on Friday or Saturday nights, and then bring back to his home for coffee and dessert. When someone was going through a difficult time, he would take just that one, so they could feel free to talk or cry, as they felt led. He wanted to help. Herbert was the author of two books and a booklet. The first was "The Life and Death of Hugh W. Anderson." Writing this book about his son was therapy for him. The Lord inspired him to write this, knowing it would be helpful. He smiled and he cried, depending on what he was writing. He felt so blessed that it has been helpful to others going through valleys in their lives. The second book "ONLY IN American Rags-Riches-Heartbreak-Love" is his life story, with over 800,000 publications in circulation. The books are in all 50 states and over 70 foreign countries. His prayer for the book was "that souls would be saved, lives rededicated, and better youngsters and better adults." He wants it to be helpful and encouraging to all who read it. He truly cares. He had people in person, telephone calls and letters, age 8 to 89, prisoners and preachers, telling him how much the book meant to them, this was a blessing to him. He started giving away the booklet April 28, 2007. It is "BLESSINGS" from the "ONLY IN AMERICAN" book. It contains many various stories: from preachers, prisoners, a special weekend, the wagon story, a ten year old, an 89 year old and many others. It was truly a blessing to him. These are all from special people he got to know through the "ONLY IN AMERICAN" book. The books and booklet are still available, as long as supply last, at 413 Russell St. Wrens Ga. 30833. Phone No. 706-547-2117. The books and postage are FREE. Herbert was selected "CITIZEN OF THE YEAR" two years in a row, 1991 by the Optimist Club of North Jefferson-Wrens, Ga. and in 1992 by the Wrens Lions Club. These were very humbling experiences for Herbert, as he felt so unworthy. He spoke to many different groups, young people, senior adults, prisoners, church, and Sunday school classes, etc. He started each with a prayer: "Lord please hide me, just let your love show through me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen." He then said, "This is a mission of love, love for God and love for people." 1 Corinthians 13:13, there are three things that remain-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love. Herbert was not blessed with a grandchild, but many people told him he had thousands, small and large, black and with, male and female. He loved them all and wanted to make a great impact on their lives. He truly cared. Herbert was preceded in death by his first wife Virginia Evans and their only son, Hugh W. Anderson. Survivors include his wife Mahala C. Anderson; her daughter C. Rochelle Sullivan, her husband Mike Sullivan; one brother, Samuel G. Anderson, Smyrna; two sisters, Nell Holley, Wrens, and Inez Griswold, Augusta. Funeral services will be held at Wrens Baptist Church today at 3:00 with Revs. Race Lariscy, Carolyn Goodson, and Griffin Thompson officiating. Burial will be in the Wrens Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be young men he read to in elementary school. Barrow Walden, Chad Stewart, Zach Lewis, Joshua Fleming, Joshua Gay, John Prescott, Brandon James and Bryce Amerson. Honorary pall bearers will be members of the Walter Jacobson Sunday School Class and deacons of Wrens Baptist Church and Wrens Worship Center, active and inactive. James Funeral Home, Wrens, GA. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com