Obituary: Alex H. Anderson Jr.

Alex H. Anderson Jr., age 92, of Oak Ridge, died Friday, May 2, at Methodist Medical Center from complications of pneumonia.

Alex was born in Combs, Kentucky, and was a veteran of World War II. He served in the 3rd Army in Northern Africa and Europe. Upon his discharge after World War II, he married Bessie Lillian Perkins and then graduated with honors in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Soon, he and his family moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he worked for Phillips Petroleum. In 1952, they moved to Oak Ridge where he worked for Union Carbide (ORNL) as an electrical engineer until he retired in December 1994 from Martin Marietta Energy Systems. Soon after moving to Oak Ridge, he obtained his professional engineering license and was an officer in the Instrument Society of America. 

During their early days in Oak Ridge, Alex and Bessie enjoyed square dancing and ballroom dancing. Later, he enjoyed hiking in the Smokies.

He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. He was also a longtime member of Faith Masonic Lodge #756 in Oak Ridge, where he belonged to several Masonic bodies including the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Commandry, and the Shriners. Ultimately, he became a 33 degree Mason.

After he retired, he was a volunteer at Methodist Medical Center for many years. In addition, he was a volunteer income tax preparer at the Senior Center in Oak Ridge.

He was preceded in death by parents, Alex and Mary Anderson; his wife, Bessie Lillian Perkins Anderson; his brothers, Eugene, Earnest, and Virgil; and his sister, Emma Nolan.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Lynne Anderson of Oak Ridge, and Susan Kay Anderson Senn and husband Mark of Oak Ridge; his beloved granddaughter, Samantha Lee Senn; and by many nieces and nephews.

The family received friends on Tuesday, May 6, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral began at 2 p.m. with Rev. Crystal Smith officiating. Burial followed at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family asks that any memorials be made in his memory to the Youth Choir of First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.