James Aylor Anderson

Memorial services for James Aylor Anderson, Jr. will be held 3:00pm on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Thomasville . Mr. Anderson passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at his home in Thomasville, GA. He was born in Lexington, Virginia on October 24, 1921. He was the son of James Aylor Anderson and Isabel Burnham Webster. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation he was sent to Europe with the 78th Division of the First Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as being among the first American soldiers to cross the Remagen Bridge. He was stationed in Berlin after the war, returned to the United States, and discharged with the rank of Captain. Mr. Anderson married Mary Louise Neel of Thomasville in 1946, and immediately afterward attended the Harvard School of Business, earning a Master's Degree. After living in Virginia for several years, he was recalled into Military Service during the Korean War and was re-trained in the Field Artillery. Having previously served during WWII, however, he was discharged before shipping overseas. He and his wife returned to Thomasville where he was long employed with H & H Construction Company and eventually retired as Vice President. He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. During these years Mr. Anderson also ran an independent survey business. James Anderson loved Thomasville and was very active in many of its civic organizations. He served on the Board of Thomas County Federal Savings and Loan for over 25 years. He was past President of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club. He served as a member and officer for the United Way, the Y.M.C.A, Thomas County Historical Society, Thomasville Landmarks, and Thomasville Cultural Center. He also served on the Thomasville Zoning Commission for 16 years. But the membership he took particular delight in was with Duck Haven Gun Club, as he was greatly inspired by the beauty of Lake Lamonia. He was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, serving as Vestryman and Senior Warden. Later he became a member of All Saints Episcopal Church. He is survived by his son, James Aylor Anderson III and his wife Carol of Athens, and his daughter, Mary Alston Anderson Griffin and her husband Charlton Griffin of Thomasville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, PO Box 2626, Thomasville, GA 31799, or to Thomasville Cultural Center, 600 E. Washington St., Thomasville, GA 31792. The family will hold a reception immediately following the service at 130 Junius St, Thomasville, Ga 31792. Visitors may sign the online Guest Register at www.allenfh.com .