Lt. Colonel (USAF, Ret.) William Garnet Anderson, Jr.

Lt. Colonel (USAF, Ret.) William Garnet Anderson, Jr.

Lt. Colonel (USAF) William Garnet Anderson, Jr., affectionately known as “W.G.” or “Colonel,” passed peacefully on August 9, 2026, following a brief illness.

Born and raised in Millboro, Virginia, W.G. was a lifelong member of the community and a proud descendant of a family that had been part of the area for many years. He graduated from Millboro High School in 1948 and went on to attend Augusta Military Academy and finally Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1954.

Following his graduation from VMI, W.G. entered the United States Air Force and began a distinguished military career. He served briefly during the Korean conflict and later in Vietnam, where he flew 214 combat missions over Hanoi, the most on record for that war. His courage, dedication, and commitment to his country were hallmarks of his military service. Upon returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at the Pentagon, and finally Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, where he continued to serve until his retirement from the United States Air Force after more than 23 years of service.

W.G.’s military service was recognized with a place in the Virginia Military Institute’s Wall of Valor, where he is one of only 1,275 individual VMI alumni to be represented. This honor stands as a lasting testament to his courage and distinguished service to his country.

Following his military retirement, W.G. returned home and began a second career in public service. He served the County of Bath, Virginia, as County Engineer and Building Inspector for more than 20 years. Through both his military career and his years of service to Bath County, W.G. devoted much of his life to serving others and contributing to the community he loved.

W.G. was a man of faith who had a deep love for his family and his country. He was an active member of Living Stones Ministries. His life was grounded in service—to his country, his community, his church, and his family.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and years of service, W.G. found great joy in his family, his farm, and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, and on his 94th birthday, he was in the hunting stand, where he harvested a beautiful 10-point buck. Throughout the rest of the year, he could often be found talking about the coming hunting season. He especially enjoyed simply being in the woods and seeing the wildlife.

W.G. dearly loved his farm. He took pride in tending his cattle and horses and especially enjoyed putting up hay. He continued haying with his brother until he was 92 years old. He often said that, if he could, he would put up hay in the winter. His love of the land and the work that came with it remained an important part of his life well into his later years.

Above all else, W.G.’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband and took great pride in the life and memories they shared together. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Maxine.

He is also survived by his sister, Alene Wilcher and her family; his brother, Wayne Anderson and his wife, Maggie, and their family; his brother in law Claude ” Buck” Loan and his son; and his children, Garn Anderson and his wife, Joanne, and their family; Allen Anderson and his wife, Cheryl, and their family; Cyndi Poelle and her husband, Michael, and their family; Jim Hohn and his family; Josef Hohn and his wife, Shannon, and their family; and Ginger Hohn Schell and her family. He leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were an important part of his life.

W.G. was preceded in death by his parents, William Garnett Anderson, Sr. and Louise Anderson; his siblings, Donald Anderson and his wife, Ann, and Karen Anderson Loan; his daughter, Pamela Anderson; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

W.G. leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, family, and love of the land. He will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his commitment to his community, his love of his farm and the outdoors, and, above all, his devotion to his family.

In accordance with W.G.’s final wishes, he was cremated. A celebration of his life will be held in early fall, with details to be announced.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Appalachian Habitat Association, P.O. Box 1136, Covington, VA 24422; Cowpasture River Preservation Association, P.O. Box 215, Millboro, VA 24460 or Living Stones Ministries, 601 Granville St, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 in W.G.’s memory.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com