Tony Anderson

Tony Dale Anderson, age 60, died on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at his home. His loss has left a void that can never be filled. Tony was born on July 15, 1961, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Harrison Marion “H. M.” Anderson and Mary Lee Parks Anderson. Tony had one brother whom he loved and cared for, Randy Lee Anderson. Tony graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1979 and went straight to work at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. He worked at RJR for ten years before beginning his law enforcement career as a Reserve Officer with the Winston-Salem Police Department. On November 1, 1989, he was hired by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff. He worked in Patrol, Community Policing, Civil and School Resource Officer Units. He retired in February 2017 as a Sergeant. He stayed on as a reserve and returned to work part time in July of 2018 with the FCSO. In August of 2021 he began working with Allied Universal at the Forsyth County Courthouse. In his workplace, community and home, Tony was an honorable man who offered support whenever needed. His was a friendly face to innumerable students and staff in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System and could be counted on for guidance and support. Many students and school personnel lovingly referred to him as “Officer Smiley” because of his unfailing pleasant demeanor. Tony was the salt of the earth. He was the best kind of man who could be trusted and depended upon for anything. He spent much of his life caring for loved ones and always putting other people before himself. Tony’s greatest love was his family. He took the most pride in his sons, Seth and Alex and was happiest spending time with them. Tony enjoyed riding his Indian motorcycle on a nice day with friends. He was content having a cup of coffee with his boys while engaging with them in teasing conversations. He also loved spending time at the beach. Tony loved a good sunrise over the ocean. He was elated with being a grandpa. He adored holding his granddaughter, Ava, while singing to her and enjoying her smiles. Tony found fulfillment playing music while singing with family and friends. His musical talent distinguished him in all settings. He began singing at age 7 with his mother, brother and Phyllis Spence in their Gospel quartet, The Joy Tones. The band later added AC Reynolds Jr., Tony Boger and Paul Tuttle. Tony continued singing through his teenage and adult years with The Doves, a contemporary Christian band that included Tony Boger, Paul Tuttle and Tony’s brother, Randy Anderson. Tony sang for his entire adult life with church praise teams and quartets. He found immense joy in rehearsing with fellow church members and performing in services on Sundays at First Baptist Church of Stanleyville. He especially loved singing with his cousin, Ginger. Tony was predeceased by his mother, father, brother and his wife, Denise, whom he cared for during her battle with cancer for 6 years. Tony is survived by his sons, Seth [Nicolette] and Alex [Kelsey]; granddaughter, Ava; and numerous extended family and friends, including his beloved Aunt Genny and cousins Ginger Salmons-Caston [David] and Sharon Dawson [Joey]. A graveside service to celebrate Tony’s life will be held on Thursday, November 11 at 11:00 AM at Crestview Memorial Park in Rural Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the organizations listed in honor of Tony: Save the Music Foundation (Donations for music education resources), https://www.savethemusic.org/ or Samaritan’s Purse (Donations for humanitarian aid), https://www.samaritanspurse.org/. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.