Obituary of Claude E. Anderson

Homegoing Celebration

for

 SFC CLAUDE E. ANDERSON (Retired)

Claude E. Anderson, 72 of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 2, 2022 after a long illness at The Samaritan Center in Voorhees, NJ.

LEGACY

Born in Toomsuba, Mississippi on November 3, 1949, Claude and his family lived the military life and traveled the world.  He graduated from Pemberton Township High School, while his Dad was stationed at Fort Dix. Claude followed in his Dad’s footsteps by joining the United States Army and proudly serving from 1968-1988.  During his military career, Claude was stationed at Fort Knox, KY, Louisiana, Hawaii, Guam, and Germany. Claude also served two combat tours during the Vietnam Campaign. While in United States Army, Claude held many positions which included calvary helicopter gunner, military police officer and recruiter. Claude was honorably discharged in 1988, retiring as a Sergeant First Class E-7.

After his retirement, Claude and his Family moved to Onancock, VA where he served as the Chief of Police for 5 years before returning to Willingboro, NJ (1994-2007).  Claude was a very active and respected member of VFW Post 4914 in Willingboro and served as the Post Commander. He also served as Commander of the Willingboro American Legion Post 516, and was the All State Quartermaster during the 2013-2014 term. Claude was passionate about his music, specifically his old school southern down home blues. Claude introduced several members of the Willingboro VFW Post 4914 to this genre of music and was known as DJ Blues Man Andy on Monday nights.  Claude is currently a member of Post 7679 in Mantua, NJ where he served as the Sergeant At Arms.

A loving and hardworking gentleman, Claude was devoted to his family, faith, and country.  Bringing smiles to the faces of those he loved was extremely easy for Claude with his colorful personality.  There was always a reason to have good eats, good company and good music where Claude was happy to be the life of the party.

Claude enjoyed taking photos and creating works of art with wood.  He was quite talented and endeavored in big projects around the home. Traveling was in his blood and every summer memories were made on Claude’s family farm in Mississippi.  After his father’s passing, The Anderson Family reunion was established and every three years during  the 4th of July holiday, a family member hosted the event in their home state creating more exciting travels. This is where Claude would pack his family up in the car, put his best down home blues playlist on repeat and drive his family to the reunions as his sons sang the blues with him.

FAMILY

Claude leaves to mourn his Homegoing:  Beloved wife of 35 years, Deborah L. (nee Chandler) three sons, Sean Anderson (Mother, Deanna L. Huggins from Claude’s first marriage), Orlando, FL; Jeremy and Ryan, Mullica Hill, NJ; grand-daughter Elianna; brother, Clyde (Raymond) Anderson, Willingboro, NJ; sister, Evelyn Anderson, Blackwood, NJ; devoted in-laws, Nathaniel and Vincintia Chandler, Sr., Deptford, NJ; Sisters-in-law, Veronica Jaynes (Wayne), Street, MD, Phyllis Downing (Chris), Eden, MD; Brothers-in-law, Ernest Chandler, Jr., Temperanceville, VA, Phillip Chandler, Sr., Salisbury, MD; special family, Aunt Bernice Ott,  Elizabeth Rodriquez, Janet Maxwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, family and friends.  Claude was predeceased by his parents Claude and Christine (nee Lofton) Anderson

FAREWELL TRIBUTE

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Claude’s viewing on Friday evening, May 13, 2022, 06:00 - 08:00 PM at McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ  08096 and Saturday morning, May 14, 2022, 09:00 - 10:45 AM at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, 414 NJ 45 (Mantua Pike), Woodbury, NJ 08096. The funeral ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment and Military Honors will follow at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown, New Jersey.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Claude’s name to the VFW Post 7679, ATTN: Quartermaster, 8 New York Avenue, Mantua, NJ 08051.

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