Donald Joseph Anderson

Donald Joseph Anderson was born on September 17, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Harlan Page and Erna Anna Marie Vick Anderson. 

On June 17, 1961, he was united in marriage to Jessie Nell Keel Anderson, who survives.

In the 1960s Don worked for a division of Reynolds Aluminum that produced Railroad Boxcars. He became employed at General Motors Electro Motive Diesel Company. In 1971, Don was one of the men building the locomotive called “The Southern Railway 3170”. Don worked in the body shop which made all of the outside covers and panels on that now historical engine which is one of the engines at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga, TN. Beginning in 1973 he worked as a form carpenter. He helped build many industrial plants including part of the papermill in Counce, numerous bridges, power plants, other commercial properties, nuclear plants, and nuclear plant refits where Don sometimes worked inside the reactors in shielded suits. Don was a 50-year member of The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

Don loved his family and his wife for 63 years. He and Nell loved to travel. He especially loved to have as many family and friends over at Christmas and Easter to eat and have fun at their house. HE spent weeks decorating and putting up the most beautiful Christmas trees you have ever seen. He always loved joking around with everyone and laughing. If he knew you, he wanted you to be happy and laugh! Don was so proud of his two boys and his grandsons. He loved it when he was able to see his grandsons. He followed Jesus Christ and was not afraid to tell others about the Lord. He will be sorely missed by friends and family.

Donald Joseph Anderson departed this life on July 14, 2024 in Savannah, Tennessee at the age of 83 years, 9 months, and 27 days. 

He is survived by his wife, Nell Anderson of Savannah, Tennessee; sons, Michael Anderson (Angela) of Savannah, Tennessee and Steve Anderson (Sherri) of Adamsville, Tennessee; grandchildren, David Anderson (Krisi) of Gadsden, Alabama, Matthew Anderson (Janay) of Glencoe, Alabama, and Casey Basinger of Selmer, Tennessee; great grandchildren, Harper Anderson of Glencoe, Alabama, Jax Anderson of Gadsden, Alabama, and Alexis Basinger of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and a host of extended family that he loved dearly.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation