Robert “Bruce” Anderson was an amazing human being. Let’s start there. He was a man who loved and was loved by so many, many friends and family throughout his life – a life which was very full and much too short.
Bruce was born on June 3, 1960 to Betty and David Anderson in Bristol, Tennessee. He was an only child but one of a beloved pack of cousins who were like siblings. He graduated from Tennessee High School and The University of Tennessee – where he played baritone in the Pride of the Southland Band. He graduated with a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Through the many seasons of his career he taught Special Education in various settings for nearly 40 years. At the same time he served churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and Georgia in roles including Minister of Music, Minister of Youth and Minister of Education. At the time of his death he was serving as choir director at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church in Acworth, Georgia.
Bruce was a devoted husband to Cathy – whom he first met when she was a camper and he was a choir leader at Centrifuge Youth Camp in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. During their more than 30 years together, Bruce was Cathy’s biggest cheerleader – supporter – encourager. He was a man who knew how to love. He was a collector of friends and the center of social groups. However, his greatest love was his love for his daughters – Gracie and Abby. He was at every soccer game, every choir concert, every play, every graduation, made dresses for dances and stayed up waiting for them to come home from dates – just to be sure they were safe and well. He taught them what it means to be respected and loved by a man and how to expect that from their partners.
Bruce died at home, surrounded by family and friends, on September 15, 2024. We will have celebrations in both Georgia and North Carolina.
Memorial service will be this Saturday, September 21st @ 2:00 at Mars Hill Presbyterian Church in Acworth, GA. Family will receive friends in the chapel at 12:30 p.m. Memorials can be made to Mars Hill Presbyterian Church, 3385 Mars Hill Rd, Acworth, GA 30101
We will also have a celebration of life with our church family at First Baptist Church of Asheville, NC on Saturday, October 12 @ 2:00 p.m. Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
While life on this side of heaven will never be the same without him, we are confident we will see him again. Bruce’s entire existence was built on the foundation of his love for and faith in God. God was with Bruce every day of his life, even down to the last. One of his last requests was that the song “Give Me Jesus” be sung at his memorial service. We will close this tribute with the words from that hymn.
In the morning when I rise…Give me Jesus. When I am alone…Give me Jesus. When I come to die…Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world but Give me Jesus.
