Terry Lavelle Anderson
73, Columbia
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for Terry Lavelle Anderson, 73, of Columbia, who passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at his residence.
Anderson was a true southern gentleman whose life and work impacted on an array of individuals.
He was born on Oct. 7, 1951, to Mr. and Mrs. John Lavelle Anderson of Columbia. The eldest sibling of three, he learned work ethic on the family farm and a love for the outdoors. His intense curiosity emerged at a young age and motivated him throughout his life.
He was a graduate of Columbia High School where he excelled in academics. He was voted senior class president where he earned the nickname “Super President” in addition to “Most Handsome” and “Most Courteous.” His accolades continued as a member of Boys State, Science Club, student council, safety council and Who’s Who. He was humble yet proud of his achievements as an Eagle Scout with a Pro-Marksman Award, selected to attend the National Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge as well as the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
After high school, he attended the University of Mississippi and joined Sigma Chi Fraternity. He went on to earn several degrees through the years: a B.S. from the College of Engineering at Mississippi State University, a B.S. from the University of Southern Mississippi and a M.A. of Science from the University of Mississippi. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corp and earned the rank of Corporal.
After an honorable discharge, he joined Allen and Hoshall in Jackson and began his career as a civil engineer. He then formed a new partnership in Clinton called Anderson, Deas and Eldridge, which later became Anderson Engineers. He moved the firm to Hattiesburg and then to Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. In the latter part of his career, he sold the firm that became Apex Engineering Group and stayed for several years as the principal engineer before retiring.
The true love of his life was Jan Matulich Anderson, his wife of 48 years. Their family grew with a son, Matthew K. Anderson, and daughter, Julia Kathryn “Katie” Anderson, as did the memories. The family settled in Clinton, where he started his firm, Anderson Engineers. He was the president of the Rotary Club and an active member of The First United Methodist Church. His legacy as an engineer spanned across the South from Clinton to Hattiesburg to Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., eventually returning to Columbia. He attended First United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees.
He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and riding Tennessee walking horses with his son, duck hunting the Mississippi flyways, scalloping, fly fishing and boating the waters in Indian Pass, Fla. He was a passionate aviator as a licensed pilot collecting planes through the years. He loved his Harley Davidson and made multiple summer trips across the country. After retiring, his days were consumed with birdwatching, diving into literature and afternoon sunsets with Maggie, his chocolate lab. He delighted in the kitchen, dancing with his wife, and attempted to “master” his personal New Orleans-style gumbo recipe. He lived by the quote in his Senior Year Annual: “Those who meet him are never disappointed; those who know him never regret it.”
He was preceded in death by his father, John Lavelle Anderson.
Survivors include his wife, Jan Matulich Anderson of Columbia; son, Matt Anderson (Kirby) of Hattiesburg; daughter, Katie Anderson Alligood (David) of Baton Rouge, La.; mother, Louise Anderson of Columbia; five grandchildren, Sophie Arnold, Arden Wood Anderson, Isabelle Anderson, Anna-Kate Alligood and Cooper Alligood; brother, Greg Anderson of Marietta, Ga.; sister, Cheree Dumas (Joe) of Chattanooga, Tenn.; nephew, Julian Matulich; brother-in-law, Joe Matulich (Stacy); and his loving uncles, aunts and cousins.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests a donation in honor of Terry Anderson be made to the Terry Anderson Family Endowed Scholarship for Mississippi State University Department of Civil Engineering at MSU Foundation P.O. Box 6149 Mississippi State, MS 39762.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
