Dear Editor,
I write in memory of a pillar of the Columbia community, Mr. John L. Anderson, who passed away recently at the age of 89. John became a father figure to me when I met and then married his daughter Chereé. Besides my own parents, I had more respect and admiration for my father-in-law than just about anyone else on earth, and I know that his large extended family, numerous friends and probably most of the residents of several South Mississippi counties felt the same way.
I once heard it said of a great man that “the sphere of his life was huge.” I can’t think of a better way to describe the kind of person John Anderson was. His influence radiated out in all directions and touched more people than anyone will ever know. Like a stone cast into a pond, John’s ripples are still moving outward even after the stone itself has disappeared beneath the surface.
In many ways, John reminded me of Jimmy Stewart’s character in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Like George Bailey in the movie, John was honest, hard-working, helpful and kind. Unlike the film character, John never got to see what the world would have been like without him. But, knowing the man, I can tell you the world would have been much poorer indeed.
John treated everyone with respect, no matter their station in life. It didn’t matter if you were the CEO of a bank, the president of a university, the governor of the state, the janitor, the newest man on his survey crew, or anywhere in between. John had that rare gift of being able to relate to anyone on their level without acting superior or inferior.
John was one of the wisest people I have ever met; he gave me (and numerous others) invaluable counsel on many occasions. He also lived up to the saying, “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking.”
I miss John and so many of the things we did together over the years. Whether it was playing a round of golf, working a crossword or Sudoku puzzle side by side, watching a ballgame, or discussing anything from politics to the weather, being around John was always an interesting and enjoyable experience.
One of my fondest memories is the trip Chereé and I took in 2001 to see John when he was living in Ajijic, Mexico, after retiring from his career as a civil engineer. John served as a deacon in the local church and enjoyed himself playing bridge (he was a Life Master) and golf, and socializing with friends. We got to meet several of those friends and had a wonderful time visiting John.
I hope the citizens of Columbia and Marion County appreciate this great man who spent his life improving the community for the benefit of all. I know I will never forget him and I hope his example will inspire generations to come.
Joe Dumas
Signal Mountain, Tenn.
