Thomas Haley Anderson, 70, died suddenly in a tragic tractor accident on the family farm in Plantersville, Mississippi on August 22, 2016. He was born July 17, 1946, to Olin and Cleta Anderson of Tupelo, MS. He graduated from Tupelo High School (1964) and The University of Southern Mississippi. He served 6 years in The US Army Reserve with an honorable discharge. He was a food broker for many years, and was truly a “natural” at selling. Having a life-long love of cars, he then bought, rebuilt and sold sports cars. He was known as a master sports car mechanic. He was active in vintage sports car racing (SVRA) and various forms of national road rallies, including the One Lap of America. He was also a member of the Austin Healey Club and served as vice-president for several years.
For the past 20+ years he bought, repaired, and sold antiques, traveling all over the eastern United States to find them. He could repair and refurbish furniture with the best. He took many a piece of furniture headed for the junk pile and made it into an heirloom. He could fix anything…and was the repairman for family and friends. He never missed an estate sale or an auction, and was known and loved by all in the business.
Thom had a persona that was truly “larger than life!” He would entertain with a story-telling ability that had to be heard to be believed! As the saying goes, “he never met a stranger”. He was tender-hearted and caring, and always went the extra mile. He was a great listener, even when it was not obvious! He was fun to argue with, especially since he was always right!
His love for the Lord was lived out in his daily life. Baptized as a youth, he was active in Plantersville United Methodist Church and the Men’s Fellowships at both Harrisburg and Calvary Baptist Church.
Thom simply adored his wife, Carole…and from the beginning, loved her three girls as his own. He was an amazing and fun-loving “Thom-Thom” to his three grandchildren, who always enjoyed receiving the “odd” $2 bills.
He is survived by his wife Carole of 20+ years and three daughters: DeAnne Scholes (Anthony) of Atlanta; Courtney Williams (Jeff) of Nashville; and Lori Turnage (Troy) of Fairhope AL; three grandchildren Caden and Reese Williams; Brody Turnage. A brother Leon (Eula) of Atlanta; sister in law, Gwynne Daniel of Atlanta; two nephews, one niece and numerous cousins; and a best friend, like-a-brother, of 50+ years, Matt Wesson. He was preceded in death by his parents Olin and Cleta Anderson of Tupelo, and also his in-laws, Boyce and Derie McFarling of Plantersville.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Plantersville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1 PM-service time on Saturday only. Holland Funeral Directors are honored to be asssisting their friends with arrangements.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Plantersville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 56, Plantersville, MS 38862.
