Thomas "Tom" Anderson

Waynesville, Thomas Charles Anderson was born on January 21, 1964, in Story City Iowa, to Emily (Johnson) and Charles Anderson.

He peacefully passed away at his home in Waynesville, North Carolina on April 1, 2023. He was 59 years old.

Tom grew up in Rolfe, Iowa where, “as a kid,” he launched a wildly successful lawn-mowing business. Perhaps the size of the town and lack of competition aided that success, but his attention to detail and absolute perfection were appreciated by his clients. His business boomed when he turned 14, acquired a moped and learned he could pull his lawnmower to the other side of town, leave it, go back and get the gas can, and mow all day. His little sister was soon recruited to help in the business.

Throughout his life, he talked about those who influenced his early days in that small town. He loved being from Rolfe, and could recall most every resident in the town, as well as the names of their dogs. He was a rowdy kid, and also had a heart of gold. In high school, he excelled in music and served as the lead trumpet player in all the bands, and always encouraged fellow musicians to be their very best.

Tom spent most of his adult life living in Katy, Texas. There he met and married Kathy Wilson (div. 2008) and they welcomed a glorious baby in 1998 who was given the name Laura Michelle. Tom had a 30-year career with the Texas division of Hallett Construction. While with Hallett, he built tremendous relationships with staff, truck drivers and vendors. He was a devoted employee and was passionate about stabilized sand, gravel pits, conveyer belts, and telling stories about the many people with whom he worked and interacted.

In 2016, Tom relocated to Western North Carolina and was welcomed into an amazing community, meeting some of his closest friends through his work and association with Skyland Camp & Retreats.

Living in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains suited Tom well and he was able to again experience the joys of small-town living where he could wear his favorite Carhartt gear wherever he went. He loved NASCAR, watching Barn Wood Builders, perfecting culinary projects, and honing his exceptional woodworking skills.

Tom was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents. Left to cherish his memory are his parents Emily and Charles Anderson of Story City, Iowa, child Levi (Laura) Anderson of Katy, Texas, sister Kay Anderson & sister-in-law Sherry Brown of Clyde, North Carolina, many cousins, long-lost acquaintances, and some extremely devoted friends living in his western North Carolina community.

A small service will be held in Iowa at a later date. Additionally, his North Carolina friends will hold an informal gathering at a later day to celebrate him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memories be shared, and donations made to Skyland Camp & Retreats. (https://www.SkylandCamp.com/Tom) PO Box 128, Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Mr. Anderson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.