David Anderson

David Allen Anderson, 92, passed away at Cadence Assisted Living in Clemmons, NC on July 17, 2022.  He was born on March 16, 1930 near and resided in Valley City, North Dakota. The youngest child of Carl and Constance Olive Ludvigsen Anderson.  Predeceased by his Beloved Wife, Margaret, and siblings Lloyd, Mrs. Carol Eide, Neal and Mrs. Beatrice Menconi.  He is survived by his daughters, Evelyn Anderson  (Jerry L. Hajek) ; and Karen Taquey (Tony) and his Adored Granddaughter Margaret “Maggie” Taquey.

He and his siblings spent summers working on the extended family’s wheat farm. Working from the age of 7 on the farm, David learned mechanics and farming. After graduating from College High School in Valley City in 1948, he enlisted in the US Navy where he was trained in photography.  Navy testing showed David’s educational attainment was equivalent to a Junior in College due to his intelligence and excellent High School preparation. David was accepted into the last class of cadets to become Naval Aviators without a college degree.  Completing rigorous Officer Candidate School to receive his Commission as an Ensign, he entered the even more demanding course of Naval Flight training at the “Annapolis of the Air” fight school nicknamed “The Cradle of Naval Aviation” at NAS Pensacola.  The difficult program and academic rigor are designed to psychologically challenge and test the breadth of ability, mental stability and intellectual prowess.  The ability to handle extreme stress under pressure is required to become an excellent Naval Aviator.

Upon receiving his Navy Gold Wings, his assigned squadron towed fleet practice targets off Guam during the Korean War. In the Navy for over 14 years, he only spent one night at sea, that while attaining his Carrier Landing Certification.

Leaving active service, David became an airline pilot for United Air Lines in 1954 quickly reaching the rank of Captain in 1966.   He was a proud member of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)  Residing in New Jersey, David flew multiple aircraft over his career, his favorites being the DC 8, DC 10 and 747.  His exceptional spatial sense, love of flying, conscientiousness and skill provided thousands of passengers safe travels domestically and to the Far East routes including Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei.

Throughout the 1970s, David owned various private planes and performed acrobatic flying in air shows.  Concurrently he formed an aerial photography business taking amazing photos in the New Jersey / New York area.

His second love was golf, so retiring in 1987, David happily relocated to Mocksville and joined Hickory Hill Country Club.  In the early 1990’s he moved into Bermuda Run.  At Bermuda Run Country Club, playing  golf most days, and Gin games in the clubhouse.  David loved to dance, Swing and classical music and was a proficient trombone player. He loved to travel, Ski, play tennis, garden, fish, read, play board games and was a phenomenal card player.

A loving and excellent Husband and Father, his real joy was his Granddaughter.

A devoted Christian, he became a Covenant member of Christ Church. His faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ guided his life. David was a man of Character and Integrity.  But more, a man who loved deeply and well. David’s 92 years were full of dedication to duty, hard work, a tremendous sense of fun, adventure, and most of all love.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Church in Winston-Salem at 2252 Queen Street on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 3:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church or Medi Home Health of Lexington NC.