Larry Anderson

Deacon Larry Jerome Anderson was born July 21, 1951, in Pineville, Louisiana, to Sam Anderson Sr. and Jennie B. Anderson. Deacon Anderson passed away at Crystal Care Center of Ashland on June 14, 2025, at the age of 73.

Deacon Anderson matriculated through the Rapides Parish School District, graduating from Crepe Myrtle High School in 1969. He furthered his education at Grambling State University, graduating in 1973 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. While at Grambling, he pledged to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

After beginning his employment with what is now Norfolk Southern Railway, Deacon Anderson became a Loss Control Representative for various insurance companies in Plano, Texas, Coral Springs, Florida, and finally, Prudential in Mansfield. He also served as a substitute teacher for Mansfield City Schools and a tennis coach at Mansfield Senior High.

Deacon Anderson accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Sunlight Baptist Church in Pineville. He was a charter member of the New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church. He served as leader of the Deacon Ministry and was very active in the Male Chorus, Stewardship, and Building and Grounds ministries. At any given time, Deacon Anderson would be found repairing and taking care of all kinds of necessary tasks at New Beginning.

Deacon Anderson was a very active bowler, having bowled at least one 300. He greatly enjoyed doing brainteasers like crossword and word search puzzles. He was a great fan of the “Jeopardy” television show. He also enjoyed creating woodworking projects such as nightstands and computer desks. He was heavily engaged in the study of the Bible and had a large collection of books related to each book of the Bible.

Left to cherish their memories of Deacon Anderson are his wife of 47 years, Velma Freeman Anderson; his children, Victor (Anne) and Lori; his grandchildren, Carter, Samuel, Sarah, and Eleanor; two sisters, Linda Lindsey and Arlene (Freddie) Blade; one brother, Samuel Anderson Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillie Lavan and Donna Hines.