Thornton Keith 'Andy' Anderson

Thornton Keith (Andy) Anderson, 69, was born to George and Merle Anderson in Lansing, Michigan. In 1948, his family moved to Charlotte and he graduated from Harding High School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He passed away on Friday, June 6, 2014 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 16 months ago. Andy proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964-1968. While in the Marine Corps, he was a member of the Marine Corps Rifle and Pistol team and won a gold medal in the Eastern Division Match and medals in the inter-service match at Camp Perry, Ohio. Prior to entering the military, he worked at the FBI in Charlotte. He later worked at Duke Energy for 28 years and retired from the York County Sheriff's Office as the financial officer. Those who knew Andy will remember his exuberant personality, his booming laugh and the ability to bring a smile to one's face and brighten a day. Music was an important part of his life. From singing in the junior choir at church, to narrating numerous Christmas cantatas, Andy loved to sing. He had the uncanny ability to remember the words to many of the popular songs from the mid 1940's thru the 1960's. It was never a surprise for him to burst out in song most anywhere. Another of his passions was golf having made two holes in one. His golf buddies have been tremendously supportive, but still refused to 'give him strokes' while undergoing treatment. Andy was a man who deeply loved his family. In 1974, he married his best friend and beloved 'Schnuklefritz' and was later blessed with two sons. As his sons grew up, he was always 'chasing the kids' as he liked to say. From T-ball, to Little League, to football, to soccer, to wrestling, to cross country, he was always there for his boys. He was very involved in the Fort Mill school system and served on the School Improvement Council, treasurer of the Athletic Booster Club and member of the marching band pit crew. Andy is survived by his wife, Susan Snider Anderson, his son Brandon, wife Stacey and granddaughter Mattie of Fort Mill, SC and son Christopher, wife Jessie and grandson Andrew of Charleston, SC. He was a wonderful man who was loved dearly by his wife, loved and respected by his sons, a great father -in- law to his sons' wives, and the best Popples ever to his grandchildren. Many thanks to our family, friends, medical staff at the Levine Cancer Center, and Hospice who loved and cared for us these past months. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 8 from 5 to 7 pm at the Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, SC. The funeral will be held Monday, June 9 at 1 pm at the Philadelphia United Methodist Church in Fort Mill, SC with burial following in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to One by One Outreach, 956 Sells Rd., Salisbury NC 28144. On-line condolences to the family may be made at www.palmettofh.com The family of Mr. Anderson is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, SC.

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