Ronald Dean “Ron” Anderson, 73, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away March 21, 2021, at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 7, 1947, in Excelsior Springs to Dan and Irene (Coates) Anderson.

Ron retired from General Motors in 2008 after 31 years and he served as commander of Columbia VFW Post 4969.

Ron was a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church for 30 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1286, American Legion Post 19, and a founding member of the American Legion Post 19 Riders and Local Chapter TN 18-5 Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association in Columbia. He was a gruff, straightforward man with a heart of gold and a desire to aid others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Hartman Anderson; brother, Daniel Anderson; and sister, Anita Anderson.

He is survived by a son, James (Gretta) Anderson, Nashville, Tennessee; a daughter, Staci Anderson, Thurmont, Maryland; a former son-in-law, Emmanuel Mañan; a sister, Sandra (Dick Norris) Anderson, Las Vegas, Nevada; three grandchildren, Robert Anderson, and Gabriel and Greysen Mañan; and several other loving family members.

Services were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2494 Nashville Highway in Columbia, with Pastor Chuck Westra officiating. Visitation with the family was from noon to 1 p.m. at the church.

Pallbearers were James Anderson, Emmanuel Mañan, Al Castingway, Charlie Morton, Dave “Gunner” Grubbs, Jack “Hacksaw” Crews, Robert “Dragon” Long and John Maier.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your choice of any local veteran’s organization.

Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services was in charge of the arrangements. Website: springhill-memorial.com.