It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Colonel Robert John Halvor “Andy” Anderson, of Columbia, on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Andy was one of the good guys with a zest for life and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7.
He handled it all with Grace.
Andy was a “Military Brat” born Friday, June 13, 1947 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of the late Colonel Luther Roland Anderson and Mrs. June Sylvia Eastman Anderson as well as a sister, the late Belinda Ann Anderson.
He was a graduate of Frederick Military Academy, Portsmouth, VA and The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina. He was the Class of ’69 in his beloved H Company. He received his Master’s Degree in Procurement and Contract Management.
Andy was a career U.S. Army Aviation Branch Soldier. He loved to share the story of his Dad, Colonel Roland Anderson, U.S. Army, Infantry, who told him: “Go Aviation, son. You will always sleep on clean sheets.”
He was a life member of the Military Officers’ Association of America, The Citadel Alumni Association, Vietnam Helicopter Pilot’s Association, National Eagle Scout Association, the Disabled Veterans and a fifteen year Bronze Sponsor with the Columbia, SC Chapter. He was a member and volunteer of Ducks Unlimited.
As an Army Officer, he was most proud of having the privilege to command and lead the great soldiers of our nation; two times as a Company Commander, once as an Air Cavalry Troop Commander, once as Air Cavalry Squadron Commander, once as an Aviation Brigade Commander and lastly as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.
Andy was a 30 year member of the Lake Wateree Presbyterian Church in Ridgeway, SC, where he served in many capacities. Andy loved his Lake Wateree cabin and the good times spent there.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Virginia “Ginger,” and his son, Major Michael John Anderson, USAF (Ret.) and his wife Karlen and their son, Jack Keegan Anderson of Monument, CO. Grandpa’s favorite 16 year old Grandson.
Andy and Ginger were fortunate to not only travel as a military family, but they had the chance to see the globe and shared many fond memories with friends.
Memorials for Andy may be made to The Colonel Robert John and Virginia C. Anderson Scholarship Fund, which is presented to either a Junior or Senior majoring in Nursing or Business and associated with the Military, or a charity of one’s choice. The address for The Citadel Scholarship is The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St, Charleston, SC 29409.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 am Monday, August 31, 2026 at The Lake Wateree Presbyterian Church, 3257 Old Windmill Rd, Ridgeway, SC 29130, with visitation prior from 10:30 until 11:30 am. Services will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. Fran Bragan. Interment will be at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery located at 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229 at 2:00 pm.