Thomas Lee "Tom" Anderson

Thomas Lee Anderson, 77 of Salem, was reunited with loved ones preceding him, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on September 16, 1944, son of the late Floyd Thomas and Letha Alice Lemon Anderson. Those who knew Tom well will recall the fact that he was no stranger to hard work. As a dairy farmer for most of his working days, Tom, like others in farming, would be up before sunrise and work past sunset making sure the livestock were fed, milking was done, sometimes 3 times a day, and other chores were completed, including cutting the lawn. However, Tom did not view cutting the lawn as a chore. He genially enjoyed it and was very meticulous on how it looked after it was cut. He could spot a blade of grass that was missed by simply scanning over the lawn. When not working, which was not very often, Tom enjoyed spending time with family. He adored his wife, Laura, and his children likewise, but his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. They believed he could no wrong and with the many stories Tom told them over the years, that he was the bravest and strongest man alive. While his departing may have left a huge whole in the hearts of many, his legacy remains within his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his son, Harvey Anderson; 4 brothers and 6 sisters. Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 26 plus years, Laura A. Harless Anderson; children, Clifford Anderson, Becky Morris (Ronald), Loretta Anderson, Laura Dyer, Donald Cook (Jessica), and Thomas Lee Anderson, Jr; brother, Walter Anderson (Sandy); 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Funeral services to honor Toms life will be conducted on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son funeral home in Salem. Pastor Elmer Clemmons will officiate. Friends may call on the family from 10 a.m. until time of service, at the funeral home, on Friday. The family would like to especially thank Steve Orange, for being a part of the family and assisting wherever and whenever a need was there. They would also like to thank Intrepid Hospice for the love and gentle care given to Tom when it was most needed. Online condolences may be expressed to the Anderson family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. Service Details. Visitation When Friday, October 29th, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Service When Friday, October 29th, 2021 11:00am Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Interment When Friday, October 29th, 2021 Location Sherwood Memorial Park Address 1250 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153