Ralph Anderson

Mr. Ralph Louis Anderson, Jr., was born on January 14, 1955, to Ralph and Geraldine Lewis Anderson. On Tuesday, October 9, 2018, God released His angel of mercy and comfort to bring home Ralph’s soul. Angels rejoiced as one of their own was called home. God offered him a new beginning, things of this world passed away. Now it is time for his new beginning with Jesus Christ.

Ralph was known for a lot of things, his sense of style for starters. He loved to dress well and smell good. Whether it was a new suit or a fitted cap with the matching sneakers, the creases in his pants were always sharp! Sharp like his wit and sense of humor. He was usually all smiles and laughs, especially with his grandkids. He really enjoyed spending time with them. He and Diane often took them to the beach, Chuck E. Cheese’s and for walks in the park. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors. He could often be found taking them to their doctor appointments, taking them meals throughout the day, or simply spending time with them. But if it was Friday, you could be sure that he was getting his cars detailed and waxed and he was preparing to talk lots of trash as he headed out to play his favorite card game—Bid Whist! He rarely missed a Wednesday or Friday night game.

But for as much as Ralph was known for all of the acts above, he was also known to love his family. He and Diane, his wife of 20 years, shared a love of travel. Over the years, they’ve traveled to many places like Hilton Head, St. Thomas and the Bahamas. But by far, their favorite vacation spot was Hawaii as it holds many special memories. His other favorite place was “Sunday Dinners” at the elder Ralph’s home. On any given Sunday you can find the Anderson clan gathered for a family meal, prepared by his sister, Valerie. Ralph’s infectious laugh could be heard throughout the house, always making his presence known. This is where he and his kids spent countless hours laughing and joking as well as engaging in serious discussions about life’s matters.

“Uncle Fatz” as his nephews called him, always kept the atmosphere festive as he could be heard cheering his beloved Washington Redskins and taunting the Dallas Cowboys’ fans in the family—his brother, daughter and nephews. It goes without saying , Sunday Dinners will forever be different without “Uncle Fatz”.

Ralph was a member of the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Ushers Ministry and for a brief time served as a Trustee. He was also a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Left with vivid and admirable memories of him are his loving and devoted wife, Diane Gilchrist Anderson of the home; his parents, former Senator Ralph and Geraldine Anderson; four daughters, Toni (Marcus) James of Easley, Nikki Anderson, Joy Anderson and Brittany Anderson, all of Greenville; two sons, Ralph L. Anderson, III, and Johnny Curtis “JC” Anderson, both of Greenville; one sister, Valerie Anderson of Greenville; one brother, Joel (Darlene) Anderson of Greenville; six grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a host of other relatives and friends.