Roger Algernon Anderson (79), of Hot Springs, VA. Passed away Friday, August 8, 2014 at Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia.

He was born January 26, 1935, in Bedford, Virginia. He is an alumnus of Dunbar High School, Lynchburg, VA; Virginia Seminary; and West Virginia State University. He was drafted into the United States Army where he served in Okinawa, Japan. He devoted 44 years of service to The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA. He faithfully attended First Church of God in Christ—Clifton Forge, VA where he was armor bearer to his beloved pastor Elder Leon Taylor.

Anderson is remembered as an avid musician, angler, gardener, carpenter, photographer, athlete, and collector of encyclopedias and volumes. He loved Virginia and all its country back roads—especially ones that lead to his most precious place—the riverbank.  Most of all he cherished the tradition of family—demonstrated through his unfaltering dedication to his wife, children and anyone in his community. A man of few words, he will be remembered for his genuine smile, wave, and jocularity.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Alberta Anderson; three brothers, Charles, Carlton, and James; one sister, Vivian.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years—Janice Nalley Anderson; eight children and three sons-in-law—Jane Green (Las Vegas, NV), Sandra Anderson (Los Angeles, CA), Leona Anderson (Harare, Zimbabwe), Vivian Bedford and her husband Daniel, Jr. (Richmond, VA), Pamela Eno and her husband Nicholas (Dallas, TX), Rachel Watts and her husband Alexander (Petersburg, VA), Roger Anderson, Jr. (Hot Springs, VA), and Michael “Mick” Anderson (Charlottesville, VA);  Five grandchildren—Nicole Eno, Isaac Watts, Bryce Bedford, Elwynn Wheeler, and Justin Bedford; One goddaughter—Jerrila Paul; and one adopted son—Kenneth Anderson and his wife Paula. He is also survived by six sisters—Betty, Corrine, Colleen (Lawrence), Ann Josephine, Annie (Joe), and Victoria (Major); one brother—Vincent (Sheila); five remaining sisters-in-law—Eunice, Jerlene, Teresa, and Angela; and one remaining brother-in-law—Sidney. Also surviving is a host of nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful to friends and neighbors for their support, and to the phenomenal care team at Augusta Medical Center, Fishersville, VA.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at the Gospel Tabernacle in Covington, with Elder Gregory Moore officiating. Interment will be in Alleghany Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the church.