Dr. Alvin "Andy" W. (Big Mountain) Anderson, Sr. 87, of Suffolk went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ July 21, 2018. He passed away quietly in his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born in High Point, NC on July 8, 1931. He was predeceased by his mother, Alice Brown Anderson Bridgers; father, Zebulon Anderson; step-father, Haynes Collier Bridgers; brother, Edward Luther Anderson; son, Roy E. Wilson; brother-in-law, Daniel F. Carter.

After graduating from Maury High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy.  Following his tour of duty, he joined the Air Force serving as an Intelligence Specialist. He attended the Division of William and Mary College in Norfolk, (now Old Dominion University) where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.  He earned his Master's Degree and 30 hours above in Administration & Supervision from the University of Virginia and earned his Doctorate of Education from NOVA University in Florida.  Andy served as Head Master of Nansemond Suffolk Academy.  He co-founded Alliance Christian High School with Rev. Earl Freeland and served as its Head Master. Andy retired from Buckingham County Public Schools where he served as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education.  He spent 32 years in public and private education.

Andy was a member of Windsor Congregational Christian Church where he served as a deacon, member of the Christian Board of Education, and chair of the Property Committee. He also taught Sunday School in the Gladys J. Holland Class. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 57, and past Vice-Chair of the Suffolk Democratic Party. He was an official member on the roll of the Southeastern Cherokee Council, INC. and an honorary member of the Nansemond Indian Nation.

Andy was presented the "Adopt a School" award by the Virginia Department of Education; the "James T. Micklem Award of Merit" by the Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education, the Ruffner Middle School Hall of Fame Award by Ruffner Middle School in Norfolk, and was awarded the Virginia Beach Technical and Center Education Center's "Volunteer of the Year" for the years 2011-2013.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Bobbi) Anderson, daughters; Brenda Anderson Livingston of Chester, VA, Julia Anderson Pauley (Brian) of Marion, VA, and son Alvin W. (Andy) Anderson, Jr. (Kathleen) of Suffolk.  Grandchildren; Kimberly and Katie Livingston, Amy Rountree, Amber Hancock, Kristina Wood, all of Chesterfield, Nicole McGrady of Marion, Andrew Anderson, of Carrsville, Kenneth Wilson of Salem, Kimberly Jones of Levittown, PA and Chrissy Jones of Naples, FL. Sixteen great grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Karen Jones Wilson of Franklin; sisters-in-law; Patricia Davenport of Franklin, Fran Smith and Iris Carter of Suffolk, and many nieces, nephews, dear friends and family pet, Callie.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Windsor Congregational Christian Church. A funeral service will be held Friday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Windsor Congregational Christian Church, 4 Court Street, Windsor, VA 23487 where a reception will immediately follow. A private burial will be held at the Anderson's Native American Burial Ground at 4:00 p.m.  Donations may be made to the Nansemond Indian Nation at www.nansemond.org/donate, the American Cancer Society, or Windsor Congregational Christian Church. The family would also like to thank the staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion. Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.