Thomas Eugene "Spike" Anderson

Thomas Eugene Anderson, was born August 25, 1953, the nineth of eleven children, born to the late Walter Lee and Coria Lee Richardson Anderson, in Laurens, SC. He departed this earthly life on Monday, October 13, 2025.
At an early age, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson taught their children to honor God and live in accordance with the scriptures recorded in the Holy Bible. They knew that life without Christ would be a life without purpose. Church was not an imposition. It was to the contrary a choice. This choice would be reflected in the life that their children would live.
Thomas was the youngest of the four boys, but he made his way through the family with a sure sense of boldness. He was determined at an early age to do just what his older brothers could do. Originally small in stature, he grew not only physically, but he also grew with a sense of accomplishment. With a few nicknames from a young boy to adolescence, he was known as "Tomcat." His zeal for mathematics enabled him to experience academic success in elementary school as he matched that skill with other subjects. When the family moved from Laurens, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Thomas settled in that big city with as much intrigue as an urban adventurer.
However, upon moving to Irmo, South Carolina, Thomas would reach his goals in athletics and again academically. Richlex School, with its dedicated faculty and staff, would establish a foundation upon which he would use to build a strong focus on getting it right the first time. As desegregation of public schools in South Carolina became apparent, he would find himself at Irmo High School with others from his community who would become lifelong friends. Remember Thomas' stature as being originally small - well that did not last.
At Irmo High School Thomas was described in local and state newspapers for his incredible athleticism. Here is one of many quotes from a newspaper article. "Yellow Jacket linebacker Thomas Anderson (82) trots off the field following a 40-yard pass interception return in the last period against Abbeville. Teammates are David Hall (80) and Jesse Anderson (84)." You recall nicknames stated above. Well while playing football, Thomas earned a new nickname – "Spike." Tom "Spike" Anderson and later "Spike." Having been named "Player of The Week," it was published in a local newspaper the following: "It takes courage, guts, commitment, and sportsmanship to excel in football. We understand that. That's the way we run our business and the way we live our lives. And that's why we congratulate "Jeep" and "Spike" because they epitomize what it takes to be a winner."
Spike was a winner on the field, and in his community. The centrality of his community included a focus on the church. At St. Peter Baptist Church he sang with much enthusiasm on the Men's Choir. Lee Williams was one of his favorites. His singing affinity was passed down from his grandmother, mother, and a family of gospel singers. Thomas' oldest brother was a musician and from his guitar to his harmonica, he often played with Thomas sitting nearby.
Upon graduating from Irmo High School, Thomas accepted a scholarship to attend Mars Hill College (now Mars Hill University) in Abbeville, North Carolina. While at Mars Hill he continued his excellence in playing football, and he graduated with a deep sense of accomplishment. With the experience of higher education, Thomas would set an example for his relatives in having demonstrated that the courage to speak must be matched by the wisdom to work. He did that by his commitment to serve his family, his community and those who may need help. He was not afraid to make new friends, and he believed that hard work has its own rewards. His long career at Michelin provided opportunities for him to serve as a mentor to younger employees. Thomas might say to all of us today, "If I stop now, what will happen to them. If I start now, what will happen to me." He put others first, and he was not afraid to think of others as he travelled a short road on a long journey.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters: Rosa Lee Anderson Robinson, Vernetta Anderson Shealy; brothers, Bennnie Mack Anderson, and Walter Anderson.
He leaves behind a son, Justin Dingle of Columbia, SC; five sisters, Sherley Anderson Brannon of Loganville, GA; Mattie Anderson Garvin of Columbia, SC; Ella Anderson Walters, M.Ed. Adm of Columbia, SC; Cora Anderson Drayton of Chapin, SC; Rose Marie Anderson of Aiken, SC, and brother, Atty. Sherman L. Anderson of Irmo, SC, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
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