Carleton Thomas "Andy" Anderson, Sr.

Carleton Thomas “Andy” Anderson, Sr. died Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury after a short illness. Born November 28, 1910 in Norfolk Virginia, Mr. Anderson had been a ten year resident of Piedmont Crossing Retirement Center in Thomasville. Mr. Anderson had recently returned to Salisbury to live with his daughter, Patricia Branning, and her family. He married Louise Summersett in 1937. Mr. Anderson developed roots in Rowan and Davie Counties. After graduating North Carolina State University in 1933 in textile chemistry and dyeing with top university honors, Mr. Anderson took a job with the Erwin cotton finishing mill in Cooleemee. His North Carolina State University honors included Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, and admission to the prestigious Blue Key Honor Society. The Blue Key Honor Society bases its eligibility for membership on all-around leadership in student life, high scholastic achievement, service to others, citizenship, and an adherence to principles of faith. Mr. Anderson achieved quick promotion moving from Cooleemee to a supervisory position at Cloverdale Dye works in High Point and then to Philadelphia as manager of the office of Ciba Dye Stuff Company. It was at Cloverdale that Mr. Anderson acquired the name of “Mr. Andy”, a sign of respect from Cloverdale’s workers. Mr. Anderson developed a reputation for honesty and excellence in the textile field. He was accorded the widest respect among his customers and colleagues. This highly gifted salesman and textile chemist served Ciba Co, later Crompton and Knowles , from Providence RI to Philadelphia to Charlotte to then to Dalton, GA and was highly successful in all his profession endeavors earning high praise from senior management . He was known for his ability to revitalize faltering business units. “Andy” Anderson was active in civic activities that included the Boy Scouts of America,; the Masonic Foundation; the Charlotte Shrine Club Oasis Temple, who honored him with a 50 year service pin; the Beaufort, South Carolina, Power Squadron; and Toastmasters International. Mr. Anderson, “Papa”, is survived by his daughter Patricia A. Branning of Salisbury; son, Carleton Thomas Anderson, Jr. of Lexington, KY; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His grandchildren remember him as a teller of vivid stories, a source of boundless encouragement of their education, and loving companionship. According to his granddaughter, Elizabeth Branning, “Papa made everything exciting” from a walk in the woods looking for animal tracks to learning local history. Grandson Andrew Branning credits his recent graduation from Catawba College in part to Papa‘s encouragement and guidance. Andrew Branning follows a long line of family Catawba College graduates including T.W. Summersett, Jr, Margaret Summersett Carter, and his grandmother Louise Summersett. Arrangements are being made by the Summersett Funeral Home, Salisbury. Graveside service will be at 2 pm, Friday, May 22, 2009 at City Memorial Park, Salisbury. In lieu of flowers send donation to the Tom A Finch YMCA, 1010 Mendenhall St, Thomasville, NC 27360.

Carleton Thomas "Andy" Anderson, Sr.

November 28, 1910 - May 19, 2009