Albeon Gaius "Alby" Anderson Jr.

Albeon Gaius Anderson, Jr, 81, passed away peacefully at home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on July 2, 2023, surrounded by his family. Alby was born in Douglas, Nebraska on October 26, 1941. He attended Hinsdale Central High School and graduated from Onarga Military School in 1960. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1964 and his Juris Doctorate from Northwestern University in 1967. Throughout his life, he lived all over the United States, including Stamford Connecticut; Bronxville, New York; Akron, Ohio; Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Mountain Brook, Alabama; Hinsdale, Illinois, and Bellingham, Washington before moving to Rocky Mount in 1992, where he owned the law firm Anderson & Anderson with this brother until he retired in 2013.
Alby is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary Ruth, son Michael Taggart (Molly), grandchildren, Logan, Riley and Finn, brother Michael (Barbara); stepson George Howell (Lynda) and grandson Sarde, and countless family members and friends who miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his son Albeon Griffin ("Griff").
Alby was loving and kind, with a dry, clever sense of humor. While his final days were full of love and meaningful connections, he couldn't resist making everyone laugh with his sharp wit, even his last hours. He spent his final days at home, surrounded by family, browsing photographs from a life well lived and full of love. For everyone he met, life was simply better with Alby in it.
Alby was a car, motorcycle and boat enthusiast, and during his lifetime he owned, renovated or rebuilt a 1929 Chevrolet, 1947 Harley Davidson, 1932 Ford hotrod, 1927 Model T, 1965 Mustang Convertible and others. No matter what skill he wanted to learn – from computer programming to welding – he was up to the challenge and became an expert. His most recent project was full restoration of a 1969 GW Invader, which Mike and Finn will launch later this summer. For years, he and Mary sailed the Full Moon, a 36' Catalina on the Scuppernong River out of Columbia, NC. His adventurous spirit took him on longer voyages to Bermuda and the Caribbean with his son, Griff, and other dear friends.
He had a deep interest in designing and building anything. He often thought he would have chosen engineering for a career if he had the opportunity. He thrived when dreaming up innovative solutions to any problem or project. With his big-picture thinking, Alby sought to make life easier for everyone around him, like intricate plant-watering systems for Mary's beautiful gardens, a house truly wired for sound and light in every corner, and highly organized computer networks at work and home. He leaves his unique touch in all the lives he leaves behind, including places where he and Mary traveled on 11 years of mission trips to improve the lives of people in places like Mexico, Minnesota, West Virginia and Belize.
Alby's kind heart and limitless generosity was demonstrated throughout his lifetime. He was a friend to all and would quickly bond with anyone over automobile talk or the sharing of stories and experiences. He gave so much of himself to everyone, but especially Mary, his son Mike and his grandchildren, with whom he shared a special bond. Throughout their childhood, the family spent summer weeks together at Lake Gaston, ensuring the miles between them never got in the way of family time. His love for family was undeniable and guided him throughout his big, bold, beautiful life. His presence in their lives will be missed beyond words.
Services will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount on Thursday July 6, 2023 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.