Obituary of Barry-L. Anderson

Barry L. AndersonBarry Lee Anderson, 90, of Florence, went to be with the Lord May 29, 2014, at his residence. Mr. Anderson was born Oct. 29, 1923, in Gallatin, Tennessee and grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He earned an A.A. degree in 1943 from Freed-Hardeman College, Henderson, Tennessee, a B.A. degree from Abilene Christian College, 1945, and a M.A. degree in 1985 from Southern Christian University, Montgomery, Alabama. He was one of the founders of the International Bible College (now Heritage Christian University), Florence, Alabama, where he taught Old Testament history and also served as the first academic dean. In 1995, IBC awarded him an honorary doctorate degree. For many years he also taught at Mars Hill Bible School. Mr. Anderson began preaching the gospel in 1941 for churches of Christ, first in Florida then in south Alabama, and since 1955, in the Muscle Shoals area. He preached in 14 states and three foreign countries and for many years preached regularly on radio. From 1962-1972, he was editor and publisher of a monthly paper, The Gospel Defender. Many students of the Bible benefitted from his extensive knowledge of scripture, and his influence will be felt for many years to come. Visitation will be today from 6-8 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 3 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Chapel with James Horton, James Farris, and Wayne Kilpatrick officiating. Burial will follow in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Preceding him in death are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Anderson, son, Robert Anderson, and sister, Jean Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Novella Anderson; sons, David (Teresita), of Waco, Texas, and George (Tina), of Cottonwood, Alabama; daughter, Patricia King (Sam), of Dothan, Alabama; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; special "children", Alvin Alston, Jerry Kendall, James and Priscilla Farris, Linda Dickson, Eva Silberman, and Sherilynn Hurd. An online guest book may be viewed and signed at greenviewmemorial.com. Arrangements by Greenview Funeral Home.