Eugene Anderson

On Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, Mr. Eugene Anderson of 3933 River Road, Ettrick, Va., slept into eternal rest at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va. following a rapid decline in health.

He was the owner and operator of Anderson's Automotive for over 45 years.

Eugene was born on Nov. 18, 1931 in Petersburg to the Leroy and Lillian Anderson. He received his early education from the Petersburg Public School System. He later entered the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. After leaving the service, he became a licensed auto mechanic and opened his first full service gas station, Gene's 76 Union Station on Sycamore Street. He later relocated to Low Street, the current location of Anderson's Automotive.

Eugene found great happiness in repairing and refurbishing cars. He was a man who was dedicated to his family and managed to give more in life than he took. Eugene loved running his business and the many people he met when he opened the gates, come rain or shine.

Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Sykes Anderson; parents, Leroy and Lillian Anderson; brothers, Herbert Anderson, Edward Anderson and Leroy Anderson Jr.; and his sisters, Lillian Anderson and Gertrude Bonner.

Left to cherish his memory are two brothers, William Anderson Sr. (Alice) and John T. Anderson, both of Petersburg; three sisters, Percilla Anderson and Marion Anderson, both of Petersburg, and Frances Reaves of Washington, D.C.; one stepsister, Bessie LaRue of New York; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Anderson (Chester) and C. Margaret Coleman; one brother-in-law, Carlton Sykes; one aunt, Roberta Craddock of Petersburg; four first cousins, the Rev. Samuel Robinson (Dorothy), Jeanette Littlejohn, John H. Robinson (Mattie) and Helen Williams of New York; 22 nieces and nephews, among them two devoted, Tracy Anderson and Mary B. Anderson, goddaughter, Joy Cooley of Norfolk; a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews, among them one devoted great niece, Lillian "Little Lawyer" Anderson-Tuner; and other relatives and friends to many to mention, among them devoted friends, Mary Wilson, Jean January, Tommy Hairston, Gordon Gilliam, Zelma Taylor and his Low Street neighbors. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at the chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, with the Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, officiating.

The family will receive friends at 1206 Patterson St., Petersburg, and may be contacted by calling (804) 861-8018.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Anderson online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the staff of the J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.