Billy Ray ANDERS

A fascinating human being, with incredible stories to share.

Billy Ray Anders, age 79, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on December 27, 2022.

This man… Billy, Billy Ray, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Grand Dad, among others… This amazing, challenging, loving, devoted and so very unique man was born in the tiny town of Eros, Louisiana, in 1943.

As an only child, he grew up on a farm, quickly becoming the primary seller of crops for the family, as he always got the best prices. His intellect and amazing entrepreneurial trait at an early age propelled him to graduate high school top of his class and go on to college at Southern University in Baton Rouge at 17 years old. He was right there during the civil rights movement in the 60s, leading peaceful sit-ins while being spit on, arrested, and beaten, all for his fervent belief of all are created equal regardless of skin color.

He graduated, again, top of his class at Southern University, participated in the ROTC program, served in the US ARMY, and became one of the first African American salespersons ever hired by the IBM corporation. He was just 23 at the time. Billy had an illustrious 14-year career with IBM, ending as the marketing and sales director of the West Coast Region.

He went on to head other corporations in the early days of high-tech, owned restaurants, and wine shops and as his last career, owned a health insurance brokerage business. Billy was an avid wine collector and connoisseur, a world traveler, fond of the celebratory cigar, loved the jazz music of Miles Davis & John Coltrane, and so, so much more.

He dearly loved and remained devoted to his family, many cousins, and roots in Louisiana.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Wolford, his children Yolanda Amos, Billy Anders Jr. (Toni) Aisha Anders (Zack Stern) & Brendan Anders, grandchildren Billy III, Jacob, Tye, English, Beckett, and many great-grandchildren. He will be loved & remembered for his fervent optimism, his dependability, his charm, wit, and intellect, presence, and easy ability to draw people to him, and his continuous effort to bring the family closer.

A special thank you to Hospice of Spokane for their amazing & steadfast support during his final days.