Michael G Anderson

Michael G. "Mike" Anderson, age 82, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away on July 29, 2024. He was born on December 11, 1941, to parents Raymond & Lena Anderson, in Des Moines, Iowa. Before being a teenager, the family moved to Southern California where he learned to surf at the famous Huntington Beach Pier.

He was a proud graduate of the University of Southern California, and upon graduation, began his 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. After retiring, he began a 20-year Civil Service career with the U.S.A.F.

He always enjoyed supporting the City of Fort Walton Beach, starting in 1979 as a volunteer soccer coach, and then transitioning to being a referee for both the FWB city youth programs and Choctaw High School. As his Civil Service career was winding down, he started attending Fort Walton Beach City Council meetings, which began his political career. First, he was the neighborhood liaison for the Kenwood area, and then he ran for City Council, winning his first attempt. After only 3 years on the City Council, he was approached by the outgoing Mayor and other Council members to run for mayor, even though his first term wasn't completed. He won easily and thus began his 12 years as Mayor, earning him the nickname "Mayor Mike".

He was preceded in death by his parents, and he is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Matt & Sam; siblings, Mary, Vicky, and Jim; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 11:00 am at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, in Fort Walton Beach. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend the service in person, please join the service via live stream by clicking here.