Robert Estes Anderson was born September 25, 1924 to William Carmon and Maymie Curtis Anderson and was the second of five sons. After dealing with various health issues, he passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife (Virginia K Anderson), his parents, and three brothers (William James Anderson, George Curtis Anderson, and Harold Elisha Anderson).
He grew up on a dairy farm in the Myers Chapel Community and graduated from Hayesville High School in 1942. During the later part of high-school he held an after-school job helping to complete construction of Chatuge Dam. Soon after graduating he joined the Navy and served in the Sea Bees 78th Construction Battalion in World War II. He was stationed primarily in the South Pacific and finished his service on Adak Island, Alaska.
After the war he returned to the family dairy farm and continued recovery from Dengue Fever which he contracted in the islands. Upon recovery he took a job helping to construct the Holston Dam near Bristol, TN. He returned to Clay County and soon met the love of his life, Virginia K Anderson from Kite, Georgia. They were married on December 6, 1952, and within two years had moved to their own farm in the Sweetwater Community where they raised their four children. Robert and Virginia enjoyed 71 years together before her passing on December 29, 2023.
Even though Robert was a farmer at heart, he was involved in several businesses. He co-owned a real estate business for a few years and was the Nationwide Insurance agent in Clay County for many years. Along with the insurance agency he co-owned Clay Farmer’s Exchange and later managed Tri-County Implement. After leaving the farm equipment company, he focused his efforts on the farm raising beef cattle, implementing conservation land practices, and serving in a number of agencies such as the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services (ASCS) Advisory Committee. Through ASCS he helped implement funding programs benefiting many farmers throughout Clay County. He was also an active member in the North Carolina Cattleman’s Association and North Georgia Cattleman’s Association.
Robert was a founding and longtime member of VFW Allison Bristol Post 6812 and was instrumental in bringing the VFW Quonset hut to Hayesville for VFW events and community recreation. He was an early member of Myers Chapel Methodist Church for which his family donated the land and assisted in building the church. After moving to Sweetwater Community, Robert and family attended Sweetwater Methodist Church.
Survivors include one brother (Jerry E. Anderson); four children (Jennifer A McCarty, Robert E AndersonJr, John D Anderson, and James H Anderson); twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to recognize the following organizations and their staff: Four Seasons Hospice, Mountain Home Health, Dr. Theresa Heavner and Chatuge Family Practice staff. The family has been very blessed to have several caregivers who have provided exceptional and loving care to Robert.
The family will have a private service. At a later date a memorial service will be held for both Robert and Virginia.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
