Johnny B. Anderson

Johnny Burke (J.B.) Anderson, Sr., formerly of Vicksburg, MS, passed away July 23, 2025, at KC Hospice House in Kansas City, KS. He was born August 28, 1948, in Vicksburg, MS, to Lewis, Sr. and Roberta Anderson. He was one of eight siblings, three of whom preceded him in death.
He accepted Christ at an early age and followed His teachings throughout his life and showed love to all he encountered.
He married Ruthie Mae Hill in February 1972, and to this union were born Elaine Shantel Anderson; Johnny Burke Anderson, Jr.; Nekeidra Danyale Anderson; Courtney Dewayne Anderson, and Bonus Son Byron Tremaine Anderson. They remained dear friends throughout his life.
After moving to Kansas City, MO, J.B. made even more friends and extended his family. His youngest son, Johnavan Burke Anderson, was born to him and Lareesha Ann Randall in Kansas City, MO, who lovingly cared for him during his illness. His Son Johnavan and Bonus Son Jeffrey Harris were also his devoted caregivers.
J.B. proudly served his country in the United States Army, earning several awards and commendations during his service. He was a master carpenter and worked various positions at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg Chemical Plant, Anderson Tully, and the Rubber Plant, to name a few. He believed in excelling in everything he did and obtained various awards and certifications throughout his lifetime. He was a wonderful cook, automotive mechanic, and so much more. He was also active in many Veterans' organizations.
J.B. had a zest for life, fast cars, and snazzy dressing. He loved his children, family, and friends; and everyone had a loving nickname, terms of endearment. His favorite past time was spent with family and friends, having fun and playing games. He could play a mean round of pool, as well.
J.B. was unselfish and shared with those less fortunate than him. And he was grateful and thankful for everything anyone did for him. He loved and was loved by so many. He truly never met a stranger; and if he did, you soon became his friend. He could make you smile, and he had a quick wit about him. And he always left you with a kind word and encouragement.
J.B. will be missed dearly by all who were fortunate to know him. And we will carry him in our hearts for eternity.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Elaine S. Anderson; sons, Johnny B. Anderson, Jr. and Courtney D. Anderson; sisters, Lucy M. Magee and Rubie Lee Hearn; brother, Lewis Anderson, Jr.; nephew, Leon Anderson; and grandmothers, Mattie Jackson and Lizzie Tuckenberry.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories his daughter, Nekeidra D. Anderson (and her mother Ruthie Hill Anderson) of Vicksburg, MS; son, Johnavan B. Anderson (and his mother Lareesha Ann Randall) of Kansas City, MO; his siblings: sisters Rosie Davis of McKinney, TX, Elisebeth Henderson of Kansas City, KS, and Ella Anderson-Smith of Memphis, TN; brother, LeeRoy Anderson of Detroit, MI; brother-in-law Lamar Hearn of Buffalo, NY; bonus sons Byron (Taija) Anderson and their children of Vicksburg, MS and Atlanta, GA, and Jeffrey Hall of Kansas City MO; bonus daughters Felicia Heath and Formeka (Antonio) Nash and their children of Vicksburg, MS and Port Gibson, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends.
We ask that you join us in celebrating J.B.'s life at a memorial celebration on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Anointed and Appointed by Jesus Christ Church, 1230 Euclid Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64127 at 11:00 a.m.
The family of the late Johnny Burke Anderson would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone for their various acts of kindness and sympathy shown during and after his passing. We would like to give special thanks to Kansas City VA Hospital, CenterPoint Hospital, Ignite Rehab, and Kansas City Hospice, Highland Park Funeral Home and Crematory, Mrs. Jean James of Vicksburg, MS, Family and Friends from around the country. We are so grateful for all your prayers and support. And in the famous last words of J.B., at the end of a call or conversation, "We Love You and God Bless."
Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 from 5-7PM at Highland Park Funeral Home, 4101 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102. Funeral Services to begin on Friday, Aug. 8 at 10AM at Highland Park with burial in Highland Park Cemetery to follow.