Ralph Ronald "Ron" Anderson, Sr.

Ralph Ronald “Ron” Anderson, Sr. passed away from a brief illness, on March 6,2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 18,1946, making him 77 years old. He graduated from Clay High School in 1964 then enrolled in the IBEW Local 177 electrical apprenticeship program. After graduation he worked many years with Paxon Electric Company and then finished his career with Miller Electric Company. He was initiated 55 years ago into the IBEW Local 177 Union on November 5,1968. During his career he was on the Board of Directors with the Powernet Credit Union for 28 years. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the IBEW 177 Golf Association for many years.

During his years as an electrician, he had many opportunities to leave his handprint on numerous projects and buildings throughout Jacksonville…Baptist Hospital Downtown, Mayo Clinic and the streetlights installed downtown for the Super Bowl here in 2005 were just a few. Among his favorite was the work he did on the Kernan Boulevard Baptist Church’s new sanctuary that was built in the late 90’s where he was a member at the time.

He was an avid golfer and played nearly every weekend with either the local association or with his “golf buddies”. Once he retired, he was able to play more times a week until his physical limitations forced him to stop playing all together. He really missed the camaraderie of being able to play with his friends. He was also a “forever fan” of the Florida Gators football team, although it was difficult at times living with a Georgia Bulldogs fan, but we made it work! He was also a fabulous handy man. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. During his retirement he enjoyed doing odd jobs around the house or for other people. Our house has tripled in size due to his handywork.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Effie Mae and Albert “Whitey” Schlemlein, Ralph and Kay Anderson and his brother, Charles Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joy: sons Ron Anderson, Jr. and Ryan Anderson, step daughter Tracy Penland, and step son, Cory Garmon (Wanda), five grandchildren, Miranda Anderson, Ressa Penland, Naomi Penland, Cynthia Penland and Bob Cowart; sister Mary Schlemlein- Phoebus (Joe), Brothers, Willie Anderson, Bob Schlemlein (Stephanie), Mark Anderson (Suzanne) in Texas and sister Sherry (George) in Kansas, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members..

He was a believer in Jesus Christ as His Savior, so he knew where he was going to spend eternity and we rejoice in that knowing we will see him again one day. He expressed to me on several occasions that if the Lord was ready for him, he was ready to go.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Rev. Joe Barrie officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 am until service time.