Larry Joe Anderson

Larry Joe Anderson, age 79, of Mount Ida, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

He was born on August 6, 1945 in Hot Springs, the son of Whit and Martha (Dillard) Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers, Lonnie Ray Anderson and Paul Dean Anderson. 

Larry married the love of his life, Marie (Scott) Anderson, on February 21, 1969. Larry grew up in the Mount Ida Church of God. He also went to Story Church of God. For the last several years, Larry attended Faith Tabernacle Church. Larry also enjoyed good "Southern Gospel Music" and went to many singings and concerts. Larry started teaching at Lake Hamilton in 1967. He retired from teaching in 1997. He drove the same bus route (Ragweed Valley) for 30 years. In 1987, Larry was chosen for the Arkansas Bus Driver of the Year. On weekends nd during the summer, Larry worked for the Barnes family at Mt. Harbor on Lake Ouachita. Larry retired, a new marina was built. It was called "The Larry Anderson Building." This was a very high honor for him. Larry graduated from Mount Ida High School and Henderson State Teachers College. He valued education highly, even if it meant hitchhiking to Arkadelphia. 

Larry always enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting with his beagles and deer dogs. Also, Larry got his children and grandchildren to go to stock car races. The learned to love the sport and Scott and Kelsie are usually at the races every weekend. Larry also enjoyed drag racing. Larry watched his kids and grandkids play basketball, football, band, volleyball, and baseball.

He is survived by his wife, Marie (Scott) Anderson of Mount Ida; his two children, Joseph Scott (Deborah) Anderson and Teresa Maria Anderson Rose; his four grandchildren, Kelsie Anderson, PFC Jared Anderson of the US Army, Jacob Anderson, and Allison Rose; his sister-in-law, Jo Anderson (Paul); his brother-in-law, Loyal Scott (Judy); his two nephews, Steve (Rhonda) Anderson and Mark (Jacqueline) Anderson; and his niece, Angela (Barry) Bednar.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Anderson, Mark Anderson, Barry Bednar, Cameron Anderson, Hunter Anderson, Brae Bednar, Loyal Scott, Bob Buxton, Charlie Jones, Sammy Jones, his Hot Dog Buddies Johnny Moore and Bob Sims, Larry Byers, James Earl Jones, Bobby Jones, Brandon Jackson, Bobby Davis, Dink Davis, David Scrimshire, Neil Parliament, Ronald Norris, Matt Rae, Greg Rae, John Henthorne, Jodie Bissell, Kenny McGrew, the former employees of Lake Hamilton Schools, the former employees of Mountain Harbor, and the staff of Montgomery County Nursing home. 

The family wants to thank the Montgomery County Nursing Home for the excellent care they took of Larry. They loved him and he loved them.

A Celebration of Larry's Life will be held at Faith Tabernacle Church on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM with Bro. Don Vaughn, Bro Roger Harper, and Bro. Josh Harper Officiating. 

A family and friend visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Faith Tabernacle Church. 

Memorials can be made to Youth Camp- Camp Yolawigo which was very special to Larry growing up. Any memorials to this fund would be appreciated. Please contact Janie White to make a donation. 

Memorials can also be made to Owley Cemetery Fund C/O Carol Miunto or Rock Valley Cemetery Fund C/O Maxine Scott.