Obituary of Gordon Anderson

Gordon C. Anderson (Gordy), 86 of Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach, passed quietly at his home on Veterans Day, November 11, 2008. His daughter, Kamie MacInnes, sang gentle hymns allowing his soul to soar free. Gordy is survived by his wife, Lydia (La La) with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage on October 12, 2008. He is also survived by children Kamie MacInnes (David) and Tim Anderson (Carole); grandchildren Kara Anderson (Steve Gogulski), Tim Anderson Jr. (Rosemary), Karly Heal (Travis) and Matthew Anderson. He is also survived by great grandchildren Shelby Gogulski, Gordy Gogulski and Kennedy Lee Heal. Gordy was the youngest of 11 children and is survived by 3 older siblings, Fonnie (99) and Buck (97) of Michigan and Phyllis (88) of Ft. Myers, Fl. The extended family is located throughout the United States. During World War II, Gordy was a U.S. Naval officer and carrier based fighter pilot assigned to a Grumman F6F Hellcat in various campaigns throughout the South Pacific. During state side training in St. Louis, while at a dance, he had a chance meeting with a raven haired beauty that would become his life partner. Gordy and La La had a 7 decade story book marriage. She was at his side throughout his life and at the end. Following the war, Gordy graduated from Western Michigan University and initially thought teaching would be his calling. In 1956, a former squadron member living in Jacksonville offered him an opportunity to come to work for the new State Farm Insurance regional office. That began a 3 decade career as a State Farm Insurance Claims Adjustor and

Manager from which he retired in 1986. Gordy had many interests but his love of song was certainly a hallmark. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he was always ready to break into song, lead a group or entertain. He toured throughout North Florida and South Georgia with a barbershop quartet, The Hightoppers, and was an active member of the Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartets Singing of America (SPEBSQSA). In addition, for many years his voice could be heard at Community Presbyterian Church. His love of music and encouragement led his daughter, granddaughter Karly and grandson Tim Jr. to follow in his musical footsteps. To know Gordy was to love him. Always ready to help with either his considerable physical strength or encouraging instruction, he guided his family on the principals of generosity, kindness, loyalty and unwavering strength of character. Our loss is great but the heavenly choir has a wonderful new lead. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the Community Presbyterian Church, 150 Sherry Drive, Atlantic Beach, and Fl 32233. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Presbyterian Chancel Choir or the N.E. Florida Community Hospice or any other charity of choice in Gordy's name. Funeral Arrangements by Arlington Park Cemetery and Funeral Home.