Robert Joseph (Joe) Anderson, 92, of Clifton Forge, died April 1, 2020 at the Brian Center in Low Moor after a short illness. He was born August 19, 1927 in Charleston, W.Va., the son of Arden A. and Thelma K. Anderson.
In addition to his wife, Betty Peaco Anderson of Clifton Forge, he is survived by daughters Lauren A. Williams, New York City, and Annette A. Hodges and son-in-law Kellis Hodges of Clifton Forge, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by first wife Louise Barnett Anderson, daughter Linda Anderson and sister Peggy Brotherton.
A Clifton Forge resident since 1960, Mr. Anderson was active in many public service and community activities. He believed that he could give back to the community though his service for the support he received as a businessman. His public service included several terms as council member and Mayor of the City of Clifton Forge; School Board member and Chairman for Clifton Forge City Schools and Alleghany County Schools; board member and President of Clifton Forge Main Street; service on the Selective Service Board; and Chairman of the Clifton Forge Electoral Board. He was a member of many community organizations including Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge Masonic Lodge (life member and Past Master), Clifton Forge Elks Lodge (life member and Exalted Ruler), and Covington-Hot Springs Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow). He was especially proud that the Clifton Forge Public Library was established during his term as Mayor and that, as a School Board member, he made the motion to authorize the construction of two new schools – Mountain View Elementary School and Clifton Middle School. He was a lifelong supporter of the arts and many activities of the Historic Masonic Theatre and the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center.
Mr. Anderson was a WW II veteran having served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He graduated with honors from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Ill., and worked as a licensed embalmer and funeral director. In 1962 he founded Anderson Monument Company and in 1965, he founded Anderson Family Pools. In 1989, he and daughter Linda opened branches of the monument and pool businesses in Daleville. They also opened Amerind Gallery which focused on American Indian art. In recent years he sold American Indiana rt at the Clifton Forge Antique Mall. His daughter Annette continues to manage all of the businesses.
No funeral service is planned. The family requests that friends honor Joe’s memory with memorial donations to The Historic Masonic Theatre, P.O. Box 119, Clifton Forge, 24422 or the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, P.O. Box 273, Clifton Forge, 24422.
Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington,
