January 26, 2024, 103, Goldsboro —
Woodrow James Anderson, 103, entered into life eternal with his Lord on Friday, January 26, 2024, while surrounded by his family at home. Woodrow was born in Wayne County to the late Jesse Thomas Anderson and Janie Hines Anderson on July 20, 1920. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Minnie Mae Howell Anderson; daughters, Brenda Cauley and Deborah Lawhorn Bailey; granddaughter, Stephanie Lynn Cauley; grandson, David Anderson Lawhorn; and brothers, Bill Anderson and Leslie Anderson.
Proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during World War II, Woodrow served on the USS Philadelphia in the Mediterranean Sea and the USS Topeka in the Pacific Ocean. While serving in Japan, he was fortunate to witness the signing of the Peace Treaty between the United States and Japan in Tokyo Bay.
Throughout the years following his honorable service, Woodrow shared his military stories with others, beaming with pride in his country and the principles for which she stands. He looked forward to gatherings of shipmates with whom he served, attending many reunions as he was able.
As the owner and operator of Anderson Tin Shop, Woodrow specialized in HVAC work for many years. Entering into retirement at the age of 62 and blessed with a long life, Woodrow was proud that he was able to live out retirement longer than his time working.
Though time with family and friends was always of prominence in Woodrow’s life, retirement offered him much more time to enjoy the company of those he loved. Just as he poured into the lives of his family, they offered their gift of time back to him over the past few years to ensure his proper care. Always a labor of love, his family believed they were giving back just a portion of all with which he had blessed them.
Always taking pleasure in the company of friends, Woodrow was a welcoming and gracious host. Friends would find his door always open, ready for a meal and great conversation.
As the oldest member of The First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Woodrow contributed his time and talent to the various ministries in the church. Of great importance to him was the yearly production of Judgement House, for which he readily helped with set construction.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 29, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The First Church followed by a service to celebrate Woodrow’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Bill Rose officiating. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Wayne Memorial Park with military honors.
Woodrow is survived by his children, Joyce Cunningham and husband, Allen, Dennis Anderson and Gloria Jane Anderson; grandchildren, Rick Cauley, Vickie Gilbert and husband, Kevin, Nelson Cunningham and wife, Meghan, Philip Cunningham and wife, Leslie, and Jessica Jayne Cunningham; and great-grandchildren, Woody Gilbert, Zach Gilbert, Andrew Gilbert, Nelleigh Cunningham, Tripp Cunningham, Collins Cunningham, Preston Boothman, and Jasper Boothman.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to the ministries of
The First Church
1100 The First Church Road
Goldsboro, NC 27534
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
