John W. “Harrison” Anderson, a resident of Jemison, passed away on June 22.

He was born July 31, 1919, in Oxmoor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phelan J. and Annie E. (Marler) Anderson; sisters, Hazel Smith, Jet Goodson and Margaret Anderson; brothers, Bill, Tom, Charles and James. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Leona Anderson (Goodson), mother of Harriet and Andy, and Jacquelyn Anderson (Mitchell), mother of Susan, Linda, Jan and Sandy.

John grew up in and around Jemison and Autaugaville, farming as a young man before going to work for Republic Steel. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, then completed his education in the field of mechanical engineering on the GI Bill. He moved from West Hartford, Conn. to San Diego, Calif. to begin a career in the aerospace industry at Convair in 1955. During his time in San Jose he had a great interest in promoting public education and served for 19 years in various positions on the Board of Trustees of the Moreland School District. Retiring in 1985 from Lockheed Missiles and Space, in Sunnyvale, Calif., he returned to Alabama. He ultimately settled in Jemison, and developed his land into a small lakeside community that so many people have been able to enjoy. He was involved in the ballroom dance community for many years and enjoyed performing exhibitions at senior living facilities. He was active in the Birmingham Ballroom Dance Association and the Birmingham Fraternal Council. He held several offices in the Montmartre chapter of the BFC, including president. He was a member of The Club and enjoyed dining and dancing there for many years.

Surviving relatives are son, Harrison R. “Andy” Anderson (Judy); daughters, Harriet Jackson, Susan Stoll (Bruce), Linda Anderson, Jan Waters (Mark), and Sandy Ciccarelli (Bob); 21 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren; sisters, Louise Patterson and Nell Sterman; and many nieces and nephews. John greatly enjoyed family gatherings, both in Alabama and California.

Visitation will be on June 29, at 11 a.m. at Ellison Memorial Funeral Home in Clanton, with the funeral service following at noon with the Rev. J. Aaron Ellison officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Hill Cemetery in Autaugaville at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton.

www.ellisonmemorialfuneralhome.com.