ANDERSON, ERIC THOMAS
Eric Thomas Anderson, age 28, passed away in Deland, FL on Thursday, May 2, 2019. Eric was born on February 11, 1991 in Gainesville, Florida, the youngest of four Anderson children. A Gator from early on, he attended Baby Gator Preschool, P.K. Yonge Elementary School, Howard Bishop Middle School, Gainesville High School, Santa Fe College, and the University of Florida. He was baptized and confirmed at Gethsemane Lutheran Church and later attended University Lutheran Church as a college student. For four seasons, from 2009 to 2012, he participated in Drum Corps International as a member of the Troopers. He received his bachelor's degree from UF in 2017 with a triple major in philosophy, mathematics, and biochemistry. While in college and beyond, he devoted many hours to volunteering at the Helping Hands medical clinic for the homeless. In recent years, he became a member of the Baha'i Faith and, along with other Baha'i members, dedicated himself to mentoring disadvantaged youth. For the past seven months he had been residing in Louisiana and working for the city of New Orleans. Eric, known as Thomas to many of his friends, is survived by his mother, Kathryn Henderson (Harold), two brothers, Kenny and Brian Anderson, a sister, Amy Anderson, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a niece. He is predeceased by his father, Walter Anderson, and grandparents, Richard and Clarice Anderson. The family has established an endowed scholarship fund in Eric's name at the Santa Fe College Foundation, Inc. Contributions to this fund can be made by check to the Santa Fe College Foundation, Inc., 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606 or at sfcollegefoundation.org, indicating the donation is for the Eric Thomas Anderson scholarship fund. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at First United Methodist Church 419 NE 1st Street Gainesville, FL 32601. Interment will follow in Forest Meadows Central. Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 311 S. Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601.
(352) 376-5361.
www.milamfh.com

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Published by Gainesville Sun from May 8 to May 11, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for ERIC ANDERSON

Sponsored by Gainesville.com.

11 Entries

Patrick Monck

June 22, 2019

I'm so sorry for your loss, I just heard today. Eric was one of my best friends through high school and sadly we had lost touch shortly after with life typically getting in the way. I will miss him. This photo was from our senior year when a bunch of us decided to form a dodgeball group.

Janet Merritt

May 18, 2019

So sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of all comfort help you at this difficult time. My sincere condolences to the family.

Gigi Shamsy Raye

May 18, 2019

We didn't get the chance to meet Thomas but were looking forward to the chance to meet him. Our son is a college student who's about to go to New Orleans for an internship. Thomas was so sweet to respond back in March immediately on a Baha'i forum when we were looking for possible friends for our son. He said he was looking forward to meeting him when he arrived. I also told our daughter about Thomas as she is a big fan of DCI. I am so very sorry for your loss and am sending you prayers and best wishes.

Sonja Mike

May 11, 2019

I still can't believe it. This a hard pill to swallow. From me and William, you will be truly miss. R.I.H Thomas❤

Jane Phipps

May 9, 2019

Thomas has such a tireless soul for the young people of our community. I am so blessed to have worked so closely with him. He is in my heart at all times as I carry on any service. Love you, Thomas!

May 9, 2019

A kind and caring young man. A loss for our community...

Stevie Ewashko

May 9, 2019

I am so heartbroken of the loss of such a bright and gentle friend. My only memories of Thomas come from Summer School, but I always remember feeling so peaceful in his presence. I close my tearful eyes tonight in prayer for the progress of his soul.

Ellyn Sterling

May 8, 2019

Thomas was a hard working member of our staff at New Orleans Mosquito Control. He had a warm smile would kid around with us in the lab while working on Bottle assays with mosquitos . I will miss him very much. May God provide comfort to his family in this difficult time.