William Donald Anderson, Sr.

William Donald Anderson, Sr., 90, died Monday, November, 26, 2012 at White Oak Manor in Tryon. He formerly lived on his beloved Brookwood Golf Course in Arden, N.C. A native of Andrews, NC, he was son of the late John Harve and Stella Edwards Anderson. He was preceded in death by six sisters Joyce Lunsford, Winnie Painter, Alene Hughes, Rosa Barton, Myrtle and Azalea Anderson; five brothers, Grady, Gwinn, Glen, Lester and Everette. Donald was a proud WWII veteran whose brother Grady had to sign for him to enlist at the age of 17. He was a member of the 79th Infrantry Division, also known as the Cross of Lorraine Division. His mortar team landed on D-Day at Omaha Beach and campaigned through Northern France and Belgium. At one point, his company was overrun by Germans as he was listed as KIA. Most of his company did not survive. After his military duty, he served for 10 years with the North Carolina Highway Patrol and later 16 years with the Department of Correction as Superintendent at Craggy Institute and Yancey County. Donald was a member of Naples Baptist Church. Donald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen Fancher Anderson, a son, William Donald Anderson, Jr. and his wife, Joyce. He is also survived by a grandson, Michael Andrew Anderson, step-granddaughter, Lori Black and step-grandson, Jason Black. Donald enjoyed sharing with his time with his great-grandchildren, Emily, Tate and Clara. Also very special to him was niece Gail Anderson and nephew, Willis Anderson. Military rites will be conducted by the Buncombe County Veteran's Memorial Team and the NC National Guard at 12 noon Friday, November 30, 2012 in the chapel of Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain with the Reverend Richard Merck officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the chapel. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.