Karl "Andy" Alexander Anderson
The words of mere mortals will never come close to sharing what Karl Alexander “Andy” Anderson meant to all who were blessed enough to know him. The true measure of this man will eternally be measured by the stars in his crown of glory placed upon his head by the Lord himself. Considering this, we’ll share simple facts about his journey on this sphere.
Andy was born Karl Alexander Cochran in Prince Fredrick, Maryland to Joseph Warren & Esther May Bensley Cochran on June 16, 1932. After the loss of both Esther & Joseph, Andy was adopted in 1944 by his maternal Aunt & Uncle, Mary Edna Anderson & Karl Albert Anderson. It was at this point his surname was changed to Anderson.
Andy served Honorably in the United States Navy for nearly 3 decades, ascending to the rank of Command Master Chief Petty Officer with the SEABEES, both active duty and as a reservist. After the military, he worked as a civil engineer with Local #77 Operating Engineers Union for 2 different companies until retirement. Not to be idle, 2 days after moving to his dream retirement home on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, he began driving a school bus for Franklin County Public Schools. Always keeping his CDL, Andy then went to drive for Abbott Trailways, McCormick Trucking, & finally Beam Brothers Trucking, all of Roanoke, Virginia. His roles over the many years he worked took him across the globe, but he always knew the way home to his family and loved ones. Awaiting him at home was always his two shadows, his puppies Sweetie Pie & Joey.
Left to remember the magnificent life he lived is his beloved wife of 44 years, Jeanne Anderson of Rocky Mount, Virginia. Included in their family is his son, Joe Anderson & his darling wife, Mary Lou Marshall of Sterling, Virginia, daughter Katie Lewis and Andy’s bonus son, her husband Jeff of Bedford, Virginia, & Andy’s bonus daughter, Whitney Robinette of Floyd, Virginia. Grandsons include David Anderson of Los Angeles, California & James Anderson of Occoquan, Virginia. Andy's sweet great-granddaughter Parker Anderson resides with her father David in Los Angeles, California.
As a 66-year Master Mason Veteran, near and dear to his heart were the Brethren of the Masonic Lodge, especially his best friend, Leon Roberson of Rocky Mount, Virginia. Across his 66 years as a Master Mason he was Master of Rocky Mount Lodge #201, as well as District Education Officer and District Deputy Grand Master of the 39th Masonic District. Also included in immediate is his brother Harry Cochran & wife Barbara of Franklin, Massachusetts.
Beyond his mothers & fathers & all other immediate family, Andy is predeceased his oldest son, William Karl Anderson of Woodbridge, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Rocky Mount Masonic Lodge #201, P.O. Box 176, Rocky Mount, Virginia, 24151, as well as spend time with his beloved wife Jeanne who has lost her forever dinner date.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Flora Funeral Chapel. His family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. prior to the service at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
