Eddie C. Anderson Jr was born in Opelika, Alabama, on February 18, 1963, within the holy matrimony of Eddie C. Anderson, Sr., and Helen L. Kindred.
In search of a better life, at the age of six, his family relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan. Within this small, beloved community on the shores of Lake Michigan, Eddie grew into adulthood surrounded by family, friends, and faith.
Eddie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church where he served in the choir, and Junior Usher Board, and with great stage fright, stood before the congregation and delivered his annual Easter speech. Young Eddie loved growing up in church, he enjoyed walking with his siblings to Sunday School and stopping at the candy store on his way home. He always said his childhood theme song would be “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder. In accordance with God’s will, Eddie grew in faith over the years, and it was this faith that he called upon many times in his life as he navigated through circumstances beyond his control, learning to trust in God with all his heart and lean not to his own understanding.
Eddie was educated in the Benton Harbor Public School System, a popular student amongst his peers; he was a track and football star at Benton Harbor Junior High and graduated Benton Harbor High School in 1981. He married his high school sweetheart Jacinda Robinson, attended Lake Michigan College, and then enlisted in the US Army, becoming Platoon Leader and advancing to the rank of Sergeant within two short years. He was stationed in Hawaii during his seven-year military career before relocating to Fayetteville, North Carolina for a number of years and finally settling in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Eddie Anderson, naturally friendly and humorous, never met a stranger and was a well-known, hardworking man who consistently maintained a good job. He held positions as a supervisor, security guard. Early in his career, Eddie worked his way through high school at the Benton Harbor Public Library as a Research Assistant and Community Liaison driving the Book Mobile to community parks and neighborhoods. He was known as “Fast Eddie” during his days as a DJ for summer festivals at Jean Clark Park and other private events, weddings, parties, and family reunions. After a lifetime of working, Eddie retired and spent the remainder of his days in fellowship with family and friends.
As an adult, Eddie served the Lord under the leadership of Pastor Lenzy E. Bell of First United Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, MI. In this trusted position, Eddie opened and closed the church, handled custodial duties, prepared the pool for baptisms, and counted it an honor to humbly serve God in this capacity. Having completed all the Lord sent him into this world to do as a covenant keeper to his children, a kinsman redeemer to his family, a man of valor to his community, and a friend to us all. On July 6, 2022, by faith Eddie C. Anderson Jr, stood on 2 Corinthians 5:8-9 which reads: “And we are not afraid but are quite content to die, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So, our aim is to please Him always in everything we do. Whether we are here in this body or away from this body and with Him in Heaven.”
Eddie is survived by his children; Shonitha Knight-Anderson (Houston, Texas), Eddie Anderson III (Kalamazoo, MI), O’Ryan Anderson (Benton Harbor, MI), Troy Anderson (Tra’Shenna) (Lansing, MI) Grandchildren; Xavier Plair, Sanai Plair, Eddie Anderson IV Beloved Mother, Helen L. Parker. Siblings; Billie C. Anderson (Benton Harbor, MI), Sara L. Anderson-Green (Atlanta, GA), Stanley B. Anderson (Washington, DC), Wesley J. Parker (Nina) (Benton Harbor, MI) Nieces and Nephews; Ericka, Anton, Ray, Tyler Randell, Billie II, Conner, Courtney, Tyler Joshua, Michael Zion, Stanley II, Madalyna, Wesley II, Latham. A host of Great Nieces/Nephews, Friends, and extended family. Best Friends; Jamie Pitts and Pastor William Alexander, Pet Dog; Sasha.
Eddie was preceded in death by his Father Eddie C. Anderson Sr., Second-Father Lawrence C. Parker, beloved Niece Tahtyanna Anderson, Paternal Grandparents James, and Carrie Anderson, and Maternal Grandfather Menzie Kindred.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Posted On: Friday, July 15, 2022 3:42 PM
