Ernest Rogers Anderson III

Ernest's life was like a "rainbow", colorful and multifaceted. He was a well respected musician in New York City, an avid reader and collector of history and philosophy books, and a gourmet vegan cook.
Ernest R. Anderson III, 60, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in New York City, on Monday, June 16, 2025. Services will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, in the Sanctuary of Fort Valley Methodist Church, 301 West Church Street in Fort Valley, Georgia, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM. This service will be live streamed and available to be viewed on Rooks Funeral Home Facebook page.
Born in Macon, Georgia, Ernest lived with his family briefly in Athens, Georgia, then spent six years in Illinois, primarily Chicago. The remainder of his "growing up" years were spent in Atlanta. After graduating from Riverwood High School in 1983, he left the South.
He enrolled at Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he completed his four year degree in three years. Of note, Ernest was presented his degree by B. B. King, the well known Rhythm and Blues star. After graduating from Berklee, he spent four more years living in Boston.
In his mid twenties, he began to fulfill his dream of living in New York City and pursuing a career in music. He began playing "gigs" in bars, night clubs, and at art gallery openings. Later, he toured the United States with several bands, did studio work and made demo tapes. While pursuing his music career, he supplemented his income with jobs as a waiter and personal trainer. During this time, he was married for 16 years, divorced, and had no children.
A major highlight of his career was being invited to participate in a world wide event that was put together by the world renown composer, Rhys Chatham, featuring 1,000 guitars playing at the same time. Two events were conducted with the first in Liverpool, England, followed a year later by a concert at Lincoln Center in New York. Both events received critical acclaim.
He was a quiet, sensitive man, very intelligent, and creative. He leaves behind many cherished memories for his family.
He is survived by his parents, Deena and Ernest R. Anderson Jr. of Byron, Georgia; a sister, Laine West and husband, Jeff of Myrtle Beach, SC; aunts, Nancy Wilson of Macon, Ellen Whitmer and husband, George, of Jacksonville, FL, and Louise Brockinton and husband, Sam, of Athens, GA; a nephew, Jackson West of San Diego, CA; and six first cousins. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Clyde and "Nonie" Wilson, and paternal grandparents, and Marie and Ernest R. Anderson Sr., a brother, Patrick Hartley Anderson, and uncles, William McNair Anderson and Emory Clyde Wilson Jr.
In lieu of flowers, family respectfully requests donations in honor of Ernest be given to your local humane society. Rooks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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