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Lance W. Anderson, Jr., 88, born in Hood, Virginia, passed away on April 19 in Fayetteville, Georgia, surrounded by his loved ones.
Lance was known as a kind and gentle man, serving as a steady and grounding presence in everyday life. He was remembered for his great sense of humor, unshakable work ethic, and deep sense of fairness. He believed in treating everyone with respect and always gave people a fair chance.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, a reflection of his selfless nature and lifelong commitment to duty, service, and something greater than himself.
Throughout his life, Lance built a remarkable career defined not just by longevity, but by the relationships he formed and the lives he impacted along the way. He served as a station manager for Piedmont Airlines for over 30 years, where his leadership, integrity, and genuine care for people left a lasting impression on colleagues and travelers alike. After retiring, he began a second career as a service manager at Beach Ford, where he continued to connect with others, collect stories, and make a difference in the lives of those he worked with and served.
He was generous with both his time and resources, frequently helping others and never hesitating to assist someone in need. His actions reflected a lifelong commitment to kindness, humility, and service to others.
He was a true Renaissance man. One moment, he could talk at length about cars and racing; the next, he could rewire a house with confidence and precision. He could just as easily shift the conversation to antiques, art, fine china, and crystal, or share a deep appreciation for history. His curiosity, knowledge, and versatility were matched only by his willingness to share them with others.
Above all, he placed his family and faith in God first. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, and no one ever left his presence as a stranger. He especially cherished time with his family and their beloved fur-babies, particularly Matilda.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Dixie Anderson; daughter, Lancee Childs; granddaughter, Olivia; step-son, Charles Futral; and sister, Marie Spencer.
Lance will be remembered as someone to aspire to—his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he upheld, and the love he shared so freely. He will be deeply missed.
The family will hold a small private gathering to honor his life. Those who wish may consider making a donation in Lance’s memory to their favorite animal shelter or veteran’s support organization.
Janine Gardner says
I can’t begin to describe how important Mr .Anderson was to me. He found me on a softball field when I was 20 umpiring his daughters game. He contacted me the next day and offered me a job with Piedmont Airlines. It changed my life. I owe everything to this man who gave me an opportunity. My family, everything in my life. Ive been there 40 yrs now. Thank you Mr Anderson. For everything . There will never be another like you. Your words of wisdom I think of daily. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Annette Edwards says
He was such a wonderful, caring, generous man. He made our station ( ORF ) home and family. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Sleep well
Jackie says
Where can I begin? Lance changed my life and those of many others. He took us young adults and turned us into responsible human beings and when we made mistakes, he treated us with care and compassion.
He always said that as long as you’re honest, you’ll always have a job here no matter what you do.
I was at a Wallpaper store selling Wallpaper as a manager. His wife came in and she only came in to get paper for one room when she left. I’d sold paper for three. He decided to come visit me at the store and give me a talk to ha ha and then asked me how to hang the paper. We had a display in the back when we would give classes on hanging Wallpaper and I took him in the back and showed them every step.
Next thing you know, I was working at Piedmont Airlines and the rest is history.
Lance would always come into the class. I was getting ready to start working and say every day he’d come home take a look at some bush outside of his house and think about what he learned that day and he always learned something work in there every day.
He hoped the airline would do the same for all of us.
He loved his family and spoke of them all the time.
His second love was his Piedmont Airlines softball team. Everybody knew that, and I was fortunate enough to go on many trips with him and become their water girl.!!!
May he rest in peace.
Much love to Dixie and his daughter Lancee.
Debbie says
I didn’t know him but I do know his daughter and after reading about the man he was, I can say for certain that he definitely influenced his daughter. She is also kind and generous, she is a hard worker and someone you can always go to for encouragement, advice, wisdom and comfort. Praying for your sweet family and remember, he is living on through the amazing legacy he left.
Frank Bouska says
I worked for Lance in Norfolk, Va. He was a friend and great manager; He gave me my first opportunity to become a supervisor in Dayton Ohio. Prayers to the Family.