Tootsie Anderson

James Elliott "Tootsie" Anderson peacefully left this earthly world on November 23, 2020 at his Hohenwald home at the age of 87 surrounded by family.

James was born in Lewis County on November 11, 1933 to the late Leslie Herbert and Pearl Hardin Anderson.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Grady Anderson, Charlie Anderson, Imogene Dickson, Iva Holt, Earlene Harpham, and Clovis Anderson.

At the age of 24, Tootsie joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1957 where he left as Staff Sergeant in 1965 after eight years.

Mr. Anderson was a jack of all trades. He attended barber school, but quickly realized that was not his true passion. He held many jobs during his years here, but eventually settled in at Columbia Gulf as a truck driver and it was t6here that he retired. Tootsie was a member of Riverside Church of Christ where he served as an elder.

The Anderson sons were known for their craftmanship in woodworking, and James was no different. The talent he displayed in each project he completed was breathtaking. One could feel the dedication that went into each piece. When he was not working, he enjoyed spending time with family and fishing.

He loved his grandchildren more than anything and it was no doubt the love they had for him. They knew they could run to him and there was always something guaranteed to be in his pocket for them. It could have been something as simple as a rock, but in their eyes, they received the biggest treasure. He had accumulated quite the expansive collection of arrow heads that he and the grandchildren would go hunt during their visits. Tootsie leaves behind a legacy that many strive to accomplish during their lifetime.

Mr. Anderson is survived by his wife of 67 years, Willie Ann Bullion Anderson; children, Barbara (Ray) Harris and Greg (Lisa) Anderson; grandchildren, Adam (Cammy) Harris, Leslie (Reggie) Smith, Emily (Shane) Fisher, Marissa (Will) Tidwell, Lauren (Ryan) Skelton, and Jared (Becky) Anderson; great grandchildren, Tabitha Black, Savannah Stocko, Elliott Harris, Piper Harris, Payden Skelton, Caden Anderson, Davin Skelton, Jansen Skelton, Cooper Tidwell, Bentlee Tidwell, Josh Smith, and Brandon Smith; great great grandchildren, Taylon Connie, Khaedix Turner, and Ethan Gowin; and siblings, Nell Wisdom, Eddie (Dorothy) Anderson, and Faye (Jack) Davidson.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, November 25, 2020, 2:00 p.m., at Riverside Church of Christ with Donald Duncan and Elliot Hamm officiating. Burial followed in Banks Cemetery.

Adair Funeral and Cremation Services assisted the family with arrangements.