Thomas Anderson, 94, born on November 12, 1931, in Forest, Virginia, passed away on May 16, 2026.

Thomas professed Christ at an early age and became a member of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, where he served as a Superintendent of Sunday School. Thomas married Earnestine Braxton in 1952, then relocated from Forest to Bridgeport, CT, and began building a life grounded in faith, family, hard work, and community service. He worked as a crane operator at the Bullard Company for 32 years, where he also served as a union steward for the UAW Local 1010, advocating for workers with integrity and dedication. After this time at The Bullard Company, he continued his career as an Engineering Technician at Avco Lycoming for six more years.

Thomas was deeply committed to his community and justice. Alongside Mr. Peter Smart, he played a pivotal role in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to speak at Bridgeport’s Klein Memorial Auditorium in the early 1960s—a historic and inspiring moment for the city.

He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Stratford, Connecticut, serving faithfully in the finance department. He was also co-founder and President of the Small Game Club for 25 years (hunting and fishing) in Bridgeport, CT, and a proud member of Doric Lodge No. 4, F. & A.M., Prince Hall Inc., where he embodied the Lodge’s motto: “There is no greater wisdom than kindness.”

An avid outdoorsman, Thomas was a passionate hunter and fisherman who loved spending time in nature. He passed that love on to his family through holiday trips to Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York, and countless gatherings at Beardsley Park with members of the Doric Lodge and the Small Game Club.

After retiring, Thomas fulfilled his dream by returning to his hometown of Forest, where he built a home for himself and his beloved wife of 74 years, Earnesteen Anderson—a lasting symbol of their strength, unity, and love. In addition, they returned to St. Paul Baptist Church, where he served on the finance board, trustee, usher board, men’s chorus for 8+ years, and chairman of the building committee.

Thomas and his beloved wife, Earnesteen Anderson, whom he shared 74 years of marriage and a deep, enduring bond and together, raised six children. Family was everything to Thomas. He was a cherished father and treasured moments full of joy and laughter. His legacy of love and unity lives on in his children.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Earnesteen B. Anderson; parents, Reverend John B. Anderson and Virginia Everett Anderson; and his siblings: John Randolph Anderson, Gilbert Anderson (Mary), William Anderson, Frank Anderson (Lillian), Herbert Anderson (Ann), and Georgia Anderson- Thomas (Charlie).

Thomas is survived by his six children, Curtis Anderson (Cathy), Kenneth Anderson (Brenda), Debra Anderson, Charlene A. Lee (Randy), Angela Anderson, and Lisa B. Anderson; his loving siblings: Estelle Anderson-Jones (Alford), Helen Anderson-Morris (James), Marion Anderson-Banks (Raymond), Linda Anderson-Swain (James), Carl Anderson, and Murrell Anderson (Gracie).

He leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren—each carrying forward his example of strength, compassion, and love.

Thomas Anderson will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, hardworking leader, faithful servant, and passionate advocate for his community. His quiet strength, deep wisdom, his quick wit, and acts of kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“The family extends heartfelt gratitude to our beloved sister, Debra, for her devoted care and unwavering support to our parents during their final days.” The children of Thomas Anderson would like to thank his siblings for all their help and assistance during his final days.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Paul Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Service of comfort entrusted to Davis-Turner Funeral Service.