William Jesse Anderson III

William Jesse Anderson, III
October 15, 2022



Rancho Bernardo
William Jesse Anderson, III (Bill) passed away at his home in San Diego, CA on October 15, 2022 at the age of 92. Bill was born in New Orleans, LA to William Jesse Jr. and Margaret Garland Anderson.
Following Jesuit High School in New Orleans, he went on to Tulane University on an NROTC scholarship. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bill married his college sweetheart, Sue, and was commissioned in the United States Navy where he proudly served for more than 23 years. In 1974 he retired from the Navy with the rank of Commander.
Following his retirement from the Navy, he earned an MBA from USIU and went on to a career as project manager for major overhauls of commercial and navy ships.
Bill had a love for the sea. It was in his blood, his great-grandfather and grandfather both being sea captains. His first boat was a Flying Junior named Mom's Maru. It was the beginning of a long love affair with sailboat racing around San Diego Bay, Ensenada, Catalina Island and the West Coast. During the 70's, Bill was Commodore of the Navy Sailing Club in Coronado. He was a member of San Diego Yacht Club for 47 years where he raced his Peterson 34, Revanche, with
the IOR Racing Fleet and the Cruising Fleet. Following his active sailing days, he continued to share his love of the sea and sailing ships as a docent for the San Diego Maritime Museum. His favorite mode of travel was cruising and he and Ruth went on many cruises together.
He also had a love for dogs. They were the most spoiled members of his family. He was past president of the California Rescue Dog Association. As a sworn officer volunteer for the San Diego County Sheriff Department, he served for 10 years with the K9 Search and Rescue (K9 SAR) team. He and Misty, his first K9 SAR qualified Doberman pinscher, traveled throughout San Diego County representing the K9 SAR team at schools and public events where he would teach children about the Hug-A-Tree program. He would tell them to "Hug-A-Tree and wait for Misty and Me."
He was very proud of his five kids but his grandchildren and great grandchildren were the lights of his life. He was a passionate cheerleader at their sporting events and attended most of their cross country races, soccer matches and softball games.
Bill is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ruth Anderson of San Diego, CA; his children William F. Anderson (Connie) of Dublin, OH, Wynn Elizabeth Thomas (Edward) of Canyon Lake, CA, David Anderson (Joni Currier) of Stanardsville, VA, Margaret Moore (Bill) of Port Orchard, WA and John Anderson (Leslie) of Alpine, CA; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and stepchildren Susanne and John Killian.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years and mother of his children, Sue Francis Anderson and his brother, James Harrell Anderson.
A memorial service will be held at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Poway, CA on Thursday, November 3rd at 10:00 am. Interment with military honors will take place at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego at 10:30am, Monday, November 21, 2022.

Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ pomeradonews