William Francis Anderson, USN (Ret.)

Senior Chief William Francis Anderson, USN (Ret.), 91, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Leila Alice Bouknight Anderson entered into eternal rest Sunday, November 27, 2016. His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday November 30, 2016 in Grace United Methodist Church, 1601 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Live Oak Memorial Gardens with military honors. The family will receive friends Tuesday in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway from to 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

William was born July 4, 1925 in Jones County, Georgia, son of the late John Anderson and Sarah Anderson. He was a graduate of The Citadel Class of 1971. William was a U.S Navy veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and retired from the Navy as a Senior Master Chief. Following active service he worked in Communications Security for U.S. Government. After his distinguished Naval career, he entered The Citadel and graduated in 1971. He served as the former Head Master of St. Andrews Baptist Church School, and was the founding Pastor of Edisto Island United Methodist Church. William was a member and retired associate pastor of Grace United Methodist Church and Dorchester Masonic Lodge # 369.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Leila Alice Anderson of Charleston, SC; four sons, James T. Anderson, Steve Anderson (Sharon), Gary Anderson (Debbie), and William A. Anderson (Amy); two daughters, Linda McDevitt (John), Sarah Lyn E. Coon (Blaine); daughter-in-law, Barbara Anderson; sixteen grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, William Anderson Jr., and daughter Alice Frances Anderson.

Memorials may be made to Bill Anderson Youth Scholarship Fund C/O Grace United Methodist Church, 1601 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 and/or Lutheran Hospice, 1885 Rifle Range Rd #46, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.