John E. Anderson, Sr.

John Edward Anderson, Sr. passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, with his family by his side. He was 63 years old. 

John is survived by the love of his life, Marsha Patterson Anderson, his wife of 33 years, along with his two children whom he adored - daughter Mary Marshall Anderson Flannery (Ellis) of New York, New York, and his son, John Edward Anderson, Jr. (“Jack”) of Nashville. In addition, John is survived by his brother, Philip (Ann Reid) of Richmond, Virginia, his sister, Carol Plemmons of Nashville, brother, Stephen of Nashville, sister, Barbie Dentinger (Patrick) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, brother-in-law, Stephen Patterson (Sheila) of Clayton, Georgia, sister-in-law, Jeanann Patterson Pardue (Randy) of Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank Havens Anderson and Martha Shahan Anderson, and his brother, David Herbert Anderson. 

John was born in 1961 and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Bearden High School and then from the University of Tennessee. At UT, John was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. Later, John served as a member of the UT Board of Governors and was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Davidson County UT Alumni Association. 

John obtained his law degree from Washington and Lee University College of Law. Thereafter, John practiced law in Nashville throughout his almost 35-year legal career, representing clients in federal and state courts all across Tennessee and receiving numerous awards and recognition for his litigation skills and results. John cherished his friendships with his colleagues with whom he worked and noted his appreciation for Tom Donnell, who served as a mentor to him throughout his legal career. 

John was a lifelong Catholic and long time member of St. Henry Church. His greatest loves were his wife and two children. Some of his fondest memories were of family vacations at the beach, traveling with his children to any number of sporting events in any number of places, simply taking his children to school, and just spending time with his family at home. 

Visitation will be held at St. Henry Church on Friday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CST, followed by a Funeral Mass in the church at 11:00 a.m. CST. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Johnston, Dr. Bock, and the entire Centennial Heart team and also would like to give a very special thanks to Bolin Stumb, our visiting angel from St. Henry Church, for her ministry and friendship. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice. 

[Obituary written by John and ever so slightly edited by his wife, as he would have expected.]