Joseph Ray Anderson

Joseph Ray Anderson, age 95, of Marion, North Carolina, while surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the SECU Hospice House in Forest City.  Born in Madison County, North Carolina on September 11, 1922, he was the son of the late Joseph and Emma Buckner Anderson. 

Ray, as many knew him by, was also preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Ann Copley Anderson; and one granddaughter, Laura Ann McDaniel.

Mr. Anderson, who never met a stranger, was known to be a jack of all trades, but mostly worked in the carpentry business and had built many homes.  When not working, he enjoyed farming and gardening.  Ray was a veteran of the United States Army and had served during WWII.

He is survived by his five children, Margaret Sisk of Marion, Billy Ray Anderson (Darlene) of Marion, Linda Anderson Burns (Ed) of Burlington, Jerry Anderson (Jane Young) of Marion and Howard Anderson of Marion; one brother, Charles Anderson (Virginia) of Hickory; and two sisters, Shirley Crawley (Ben) of Morganton and Mary Founds of Morganton.  Ray is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Crystal Ledbetter (Alan), Cheryl Smith (Nathan), Tim Sisk (Lynn), Kevin Sisk, Leigh Anne Frye, Kenny Ray Frick (Teresa), Angie Gunter (Michael), Todd Anderson (Sara), Aaron Anderson (Ty), Jessica Burleson (Eric) and Colby Anderson (Leah); and sixteen great grandchildren.

A service to honor the life of Mr. Anderson will be held on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Rev. Cy Miller officiating.  Interment, with military honors provided by the North Carolina National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard, will follow at McDowell Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Anderson’s memory are asked to consider, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or by visiting www.hocf.org.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and especially to caregivers, Sue Queen and Rosie Peters, who took extraordinary care of Ray and his family during his illness.