Andy Anderson

On Tuesday June 30, 2026 our world lost an incredible man, our hero Andy Anderson at the age of 75. He fought the toughest battle of his life with immense strength and courage.

Andy was born was April 27, 1951 to his parents Virginia and Rodger Anderson in Hollywood, Florida becoming a dedicated native. After losing his mother at 7 and being raised by different family members, he decided at 19 to join the United States Coast Guard. He was 3 years into his career when he met the love of his life, his beloved wife, Debbie Anderson. They were married for 46 years and had 3 children. Rodger Anderson Jr. (deceased) Heather Curp of St. Petersburg, Florida (Her husband and 4 children) April of Florida (And family) and Grandson, Dallas Davis of St. Petersburg (his wife and daughter)

A little more about Andy; he was so artistically gifted. We used to say, Dad can fix it, he can fix anything! He could build furniture, create beautiful art, make bracelets. He enjoyed making things for people. His favorite gifts were the homemade ones, knowing someone invested their time for him meant everything to him. He could tell the worst (but truly the funniest) Dad jokes. He enjoyed Civil War reenacting, camping, being outdoors, growing plants, creating things with his hands, enjoying a good western movie, riding motorcycles or 4 wheelers, teaching, (he was a volunteer art teacher for the local library in Leland, Ms.) and SO much more.

Andy is going to be very missed by his friends and family, he was one of a kind. . .

Andy and Debbie married June 6, 1974 at Hillsboro lighthouse before being transferred to Long Island, New York. They had a little boy, “Jr.” born December 19,1974. 6 months later on May 25, 1975 he passed away from crib death. Shortly after he got transferred to Owensboro, Kentucky where they had their oldest daughter, Heather in 1978. Shortly after having Heather they transferred again for the 1st time to Leland, Mississippi where they had their youngest daughter, April. They transferred to St. Petersburg, Fl. for the first time from 1982- 1985. In 1986 they transferred back to Leland, Ms. before deciding to retire in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida. Andy grew up on a farm with horses, dogs and other animals. He always wanted to help those who couldn’t help themselves. I’m sure it wasn’t a surprise to his family when he joined the Coast Guard. He helped with search and rescue for many on the water in their times of need along with keeping our country safe. After retiring from the Coast Guard he continued to work in jobs where he could help serve people and protect them, sometimes working security. At one point he was security for the Mayor of St. Petersburg. If anyone needed anything, they knew they could count on Andy to lend a hand. After Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida in 1992 he drove down alone and delivered supplies to help those in need. That was just who he was!!

On May 11,2020 he lost his beloved wife, Debbie to kidney cancer. Then 2 years later he lost his little brother retired Palm Beach county fire chief, Mark Anderson. In 2025 he lost his good friend, Sandy who was like a 2nd mom sometimes to him. Still, he kept a strong heart and a positive outlook on life. Unfortunately, December of 2025 we learned that Dad had an aggressive form of cancer. He fought with determination and heart until he couldn’t. His daughters were by his side in the end. We will continue to celebrate the life of Andy and honoring his legacy with love.