Roll Call Tribute

GREENWOOD CHAPEL Greenwood Funeral Homes and Cremation obituary
3100 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Telephone: (817) 336-0584
Website: http://www.greenwoodfuneralhomes.com/

William Ray Anderson
June 13, 1930 - May 23, 2017

SAGINAW - William “Bill” Ray Anderson, 86, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 23, 2017, with family at his side.
Bill was born June 13, 1930 in Cross Plains, Texas to Fillmore and Merle Anderson. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Agriculture Education. While at Texas Tech, he was the proud winner of the National Meat Judging Contest. He later received his Master’s degree from Texas A&M University. He honorably served our country in Korea with the U.S. Army.
He began his career as an educator in Lamesa and Albany as an agriculture teacher. His administration career later took him to Kerrville and back to Albany. In 1965, he became Principal of Boswell High School which began a 29-year service to the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District. He later became Assistant Superintendent, then Superintendent for 15 years until he retired in 1994.
During his 43-year educational career, Bill received many honors and awards for his distinguished service, such as Region XI Superintendent of the Year and City of Saginaw Citizen of the Year. He also served the community in key positions with the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show, Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, City of Saginaw Parks and Recreation Board, and the Saginaw Industrial Board. Upon his retirement, the District dedicated the Bill Anderson Academic Building at Boswell High School in his honor. In retirement, he served on the EM-S ISD Education Foundation Board and as Chairman of the Board at Education Service Center, Region XI.
In 1957, Bill married his bride of 52 years, Mary Lynn Whitfield, who preceded him in death in 2010. Together they had three children, Jana, Ray and Mark, whom they raised in Saginaw. Bill was actively involved in all of his kids’ interests. From 4-H and FFA Stock Shows to sporting events like baseball and tennis, he never missed an event.
Bill was a devoted member of Saginaw United Methodist Church where he served on various administrative and financial committees. He was instrumental in the process of procuring the current church facility.
After retirement, Bill and Mary Lynn traveled throughout the United States and abroad. They enjoyed their Friday night dinners with lifelong friends and hosting frequent gatherings at their home. When Mary Lynn became ill with Alzheimer’s, the incredible patience, compassion and dedication Bill showed during this trying time was a testament to the love he had for his wife.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Jana Lynn Robertson; parents; brothers, Phil Anderson, Jr. and Robert Anderson; and sister, Kathryn Walden.
Survivors: Sons, Ray Anderson and wife, Cheryl, of Cleburne, and Mark Anderson of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Kirstin Gonzalez and husband, Bobby, Amy Wooten and husband, Kody Mac, Chase Robertson, Leslie Anderson and Turner Anderson; great-granddaughters, Chesley Wooten and soon-to-be Baby Gonzalez, arriving in July, 2017; sisters-in-law, Jane Groce and Charlene Whitfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, former colleagues and students.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mary Lynn and Bill Anderson Scholarship Fund at Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Education Foundation, c/o Suzanne Johnson, 1200 Old Decatur Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76179 or to the Memorial Garden at Saginaw United Methodist Church.


Visitation

MAY 24. 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

GREENWOOD CHAPEL Greenwood Funeral Homes and Cremation - Live Oak Room
3100 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX, US, 76107
http://www.greenwoodfuneralhomes.com


Memorial Service

MAY 25. 02:00 PM

Saginaw United Methodist Church
209 S. Blue Bonnet St.
Saginaw, TX, US


Cemetery Details
Greenwood Memorial Park

Fort Worth, TX, 76107
3100 white settlement road