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Pastor William H. Anderson Sr.
March 16, 1927 May 9, 2009
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After a brief illness, Pastor William H. “Bill” Anderson Sr. went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2009.  He was 82 years old.  Known as “Pastor Bill,” he was born on March 16, 1927 in Wormlysburg, PA.  
He graduated from John Harris High School in Harrisburg PA in June 1945.  Immediately upon graduation, he served his country by enlisting in the United States Army.  Pastor Bill gained notice for his administrative abilities and completed his patriotic duties stateside.  He rose to the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1947.  
Pastor Bill met his childhood sweetheart Mary Margaret “Peggy” Wells in the 9th grade.  They were married on July 18, 1947 and remained lifetime partners and inseparable throughout their 62 years of marriage.  Pastor Bill attended Nyack University in Nyack, NY, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology.  He was ordained on October 9, 1952.  Pastor Bill continued his studies and later received his Master’s Degree in the same field.
Early in his pastoral career, Pastor Bill led churches in the states of New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana and Montana.  He received his calling to become the Pastor of Northgate Brethren Church in Manteca in 1970, where he served honorably and faithfully for 21 years.  Pastor Bill played an active role on the Missionary Board for 25 years and he was also the interim pastor for Lathrop Brethren Church and Lathrop Baptist Church for two years each, respectively.  After he retired in 1991, Pastor Bill and Peggy enjoyed working and ministering at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home in Manteca for three years.  
Pastor Bill was very active and had a strong influence in the Manteca area.  For several years he was president of the Manteca Ministries Board.  He wrote ongoing articles for several publications and taught Sunday school every year of his ministry.  In his spare time Pastor Bill collected rare coins and stamps.  An avid tennis player, he enjoyed a reputation for beating men half his age when challenged to a game of tennis.  
He is survived by his loving wife Peggy, son William “Billy” Anderson, Jr. and two grandchildren, William, III and Jonathan.  
Pastor Bill touched many lives.  He will be remembered for his love and devotion to the Lord, the love of his life Peggy and their son Billy, his love for his church families and his unique sense of humor.
The public is invited to attend a celebration of life memorial service to be held on May 23, 2009 at 1p.m. at Grace Community Church of Lathrop, 850 “J” Street Lathrop CA.  Burial services will be private.  
Arrangements made by PL Fry Funeral Home of Manteca with special thanks to Ken Summers, Managing Partner and Funeral Director.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the “Benevolence Fund” of Grace Community Church of Lathrop, P O Box 220 Lathrop CA 95330.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, May 19, 2009