Obituary of J.R. Anderson

Julian Richard Anderson (“Dick”), 81, went to be with his Lord in the early morning of Monday, February 6, 2017. After a ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s, Dick passed away peacefully in Hendersonville, Tennessee, surrounded by family. Dick was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, but above all, a true man of God. Dick was born on June 22, 1935, in Hampton, Georgia, to Cecil and Julia Anderson. The second of five children, Dick showed a bright mind, a quick wit, and a determination to succeed from an early age. Dick graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1953 and then, while working full-time, took classes at Georgia State University. At age 19, Dick attended a party at the home of Elizabeth Mulvey. Dick wandered into the kitchen and immediately spied a beautiful young lady getting a drink of water. That young lady turned out to be Kathleen “Katie” Mulvey, the younger sister of the hostess. Dick instantly knew he wanted to know Katie, and they soon began dating. Dick and Katie were married the following year, on July 15, 1955. In the next few years, they were blessed with four children, two boys and two girls. Coming from a humble background, Dick worked hard to provide for his young family. He began working in tire sales support for B.F. Goodrich Company, soon moving to the industrial rubber division. Dick’s strong work ethic impressed his coworkers and supervisors, and he was promoted to an outside sales position, becoming the company’s youngest outside salesman. With the encouragement and support of his best friend Bill Smith, Dick imagined more for himself, Katie, and their children. So he began plans for his own industrial rubber company, where he could control his own destiny. On February 15, 1971, Dick opened Capitol Rubber and Gasket in Lithonia, Georgia. Through years of hard work and dedication to his loyal customers and excellent staff, Dick built Capitol into a successful small business that provided a comfortable retirement for him and Katie. Although Dick retired from day-to-day management of the business for health reasons in 1997, he remained the owner of the business—and its management remained in the family—until Capitol was sold in 2006. Throughout his life, Dick was active in the church, serving as a deacon for several years. Dick also had a passion for football, particularly University of Georgia football—though he also had a soft spot for any school his children or grandchildren attended. A dog lover ever since childhood, Dick always had a dog in the house to spoil. He and Katie also shared a passion for music, and he enthusiastically supported Katie’s participation in church choir and women’s barbershop choruses and quartets. In his retirement, Dick concentrated on being the best husband, father, and grandfather he could be. Remembered for his strong morals, bad puns, and warm hugs, Dick will be dearly missed by his survivors: his wife of 61 years, Katie Anderson; his children—Julian Richard “Rick” Anderson, Jr. and his wife Marcia, Karen Anderson Schulze and her husband Bob, William Donald “Don” Anderson and his wife Lenore, and Kathleen Anderson Ingram; his seven grandchildren—Cameron, Christina, Craig, Paige, Ashley, Kimberly, and Kierstynn—and two step-grandchildren—Stephanie and Christopher; his twelve great-grandchildren; his sister, Barbara Anderson Torbett, and her husband, Bill; his brother, Danny Anderson, and his partner, Sandra; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Power, and her four sons; many cousins and friends; and his and Katie’s Shih Tzu, Tippy. A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held this Saturday, February 11, at 2 p.m. at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel and Gardens in Buford, Georgia, with a reception to follow. Guests are encouraged to wear blue in honor of Dick’s favorite color. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Dick's name to Grace Arbor, attn: Robin Dill, P.O. Box 2127, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. The family would like to thank the many supporters, including Home Instead, who helped Katie keep Dick at home nearly until the end and the incredible staff at Elmcroft Senior Living who made his final days as comfortable as possible. Dick, you will be greatly missed.