Ralph Anderson

Ralph Milton Anderson

Wrens, GA  –              Ralph Milton Anderson, 95, loving husband of 74 years to Bobbie Wren Reeves Anderson, died peacefully at home after an extended illness. Services to celebrate his life will be held at Wrens United Methodist Church on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Chad Watkins officiating. Interment will follow at Wrens Memorial Cemetery.  The family will greet friends at James Funeral Home on Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

The youngest of three children, Mr. Ralph was born September 20, 1923 to the late John Atkinson Anderson and the late Ormmie Norris Anderson in Gibson. His family moved to Wrens when he was a young boy. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as signalman First Class during World War II and being awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in battle. While home on leave one weekend in 1945, he married the love of his life before finishing his tour in the Navy.

Following the end of World War II, Mr. Ralph went into business with his father-in-law, Robert Reeves, and operated Reeves and Anderson Grocery.  It later became Reeves and Anderson IGA Super Market which was family operated until 1973. Mr. Ralph also partnered with Mr. Reeves in 1958 and established R & A Meat Packers which processed and packaged meats for sale to retail stores.  Their product line included specialty sausage made from an original family recipe. In 1974, Mr. Ralph began working for Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Company where he was a successful sales associate for 15 years.

Mr. Ralph was an active member of the Wrens community.  A lifelong member of Wrens United Methodist Church, he served in many capacities including choir, Methodist Men’s Club, and church treasurer for many years. He was assistant Fire Chief of the Wrens Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years, a member of American Legion Post 229 where he held various offices, and an active member of the Wrens Kiwanis Club where he was instrumental in the building and maintenance of the Wrens Community swimming pool.  He and his wife were founding members of the North Jefferson Campers Club where he enjoyed camping, boating and family gatherings.

Mr. Ralph loved sports, especially high school and college football. He was a member of Wrens High School Booster’s Club and a regular attendee at Wrens High football and basketball games. He was a supporter of University of Georgia sports, UGA Dixie Redcoat Bank and an avid “Bulldawg” fan.

Mr. Ralph is also preceded in death by both siblings, Ethel Anderson Brown and Louie Wade Anderson. Other survivors include his children, Kaye Anderson Rowe (Ronnie) of Macon, and Steve Milton Anderson (Chris) of Wrens; five grandchildren, Dr. Holland Haynie III (Katie) of Creighton MO, Deena Anderson Scarborough (Brian) of Statesboro, Robert Reeves Haynie of London England, Becky Anderson Moseley (Brandon) of Statesboro, Meagan Anderson of Atlanta; two step-grandchildren, Scott Rowe (Allison) and Brian Rowe of Atlanta; six great grandchildren, Abigail, Amelia and Ariel Scarborough, Tinsley Haynie, and Evan and Austin Moseley.

Serving as pallbearers will be Buford Manning, Mike McGahee, Alec McNeely, Charles Milburn, Philip Roberson, Billy Rowland, Sam Rowland and Jerry Weeks.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of American Legion Post 229.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Wrens UMC, 202 Russell St, Wrens GA 30833 or to Wrens Memorial Cemetery, 104 Norton Dr, Wrens GA 30833.