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Brian Anderson Obituary
April 29, 1961 - June 13, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina - Brian Pierce Anderson of Charlotte, NC died on Friday the 13th of June, no doubt reciting Emily Dickinson's "Because I Could Not Stop For Death." Those of us fortunate enough to know him well will sorely miss his pervasive humor, astonishing intellect, sharp wit, and unwavering love.
Brian shared his passion for literature with his students at Central Piedmont Community College, where he taught until his retirement in 2022. A prolific book collector, he was known internationally for his complete set of Armed Services Editions, which he proudly donated to his alma mater, Appalachian State University.
Brian is survived by his children Jensen Ashman (Matt) and Hal Anderson of Charlotte, his father Bill Anderson of Hendersonville, his brothers Tait Anderson (Vannessa) of Portland, and Rod Anderson (Amy) of Chapel Hill, and his nieces Mary and Meg Anderson of Chapel Hill. Brian is preceded in death by his mother, Rachael Tayar.
A gathering will be held in Charlotte in late summer to celebrate Brian's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Anderson
Sponsored by The Charlotte Observer.
Brenda Bilal
August 14, 2025
Brian,
I would like to thank you for being such a special friend throughout the years before my retirement from Central Piedmont. My office was beside yours, and I looked forward to seeing and speaking to you each day that I went into my office. When I saw you there, you always had a warm smile and a gentle spirit whenever we talked and especially when you shared one of your books with me.
I thank you for your friendship, your warm presence, and your ability to remain calm in almost any situation. I also thank you for introducing me to your daughter as she grew up and became a part of our Central Piedmont family. Through the years, your dedication to her positive growth and to making sure that she had everything that she needed was very evident.
As you start this new journey, just know that you will always be remembered for having the courage to do what you loved most and
sharing that love with so many of your students and colleagues. Thank you for sharing so many special moments of your life with us here at Central Piedmont Community College.
Irene Blair Honeycutt
August 4, 2025
Dear Brian,
You were a fine colleague and friend.
I treasured stepping into your office
because you were always welcoming and cheerful
and eager to share something brilliant,
though you had the capacity to make it
seem simple, joyful, palpable.
Inspired by literature, you participated in
and helped with major literary events over the years.
One spring, you were honored to accompany
one of the country´s prominent poets who was our
festival´s keynoter Li-Young Lee
around the campus. You glowed for days.
Maybe even weeks!
And you felt humbled, grateful.
One day you showed me a poem you
had written about the experience.
So, in thinking of how much you
will be missed by friends and family,
and of how much you loved
the beauty of this world, I leave you
with these words from one of Li-Young Lee´s poems:
And my death is not my death,
but a pillow beneath my head, a rock
propping the window open
to admit the jasmine.
Rest in peace, dear Brian.
Irene Blair Honeycutt
Jeffrey McGriff
July 10, 2025
Rest in peace. Literature was never the same. I had Anderson for two semesters, maybe three. I still remember just about every story or book from class. I plan to share all I learned with my kids. Much respect!
Mealie E
June 24, 2025
Thinking of you all. Brian was such an original! And so talented. Such an influence in my college years. Love to you!
PS Donated to WFAE today in Brian´s memory.
Jensen
June 23, 2025
Some nose-balancing in NYC
Kimberley Balcos
June 23, 2025
You have my deepest condolences...he will be greatly missed, but he left a wonderful legacy of love, generosity of spirit, books, and my own treasured memories over my 15 years of working with him at Central Piedmont.
Melissa Vrana
June 20, 2025
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts
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