Herbert James Anderson

On the glorious fourth Sunday of January in 1946, in Camden, Arkansas, Herbert graced the world as the first-born beautiful child of his beaming parents, Willie Isaiah and Gracie Lee Brown Anderson. Our beloved Herbert James Anderson entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was 78 years old. The Rock of the Anderson family, Tin Man was surrounded by his family when he peacefully transitioned into his heavenly home.

His love and devotion for his children, grandchildren, siblings, family, and friends is etched in our hearts. His parents, brothers Clifford, Larry, and Hersey Anderson proceeded him in death.

Herbert had numerous nicknames and he loved each one. His son John dubbed him “Pops.” The entrepreneur affectionately had the mantras of Tin Man, Grand Pa, Herb, Tin, Brother, and Uncle Herb.

Pier Pier parents taught their children about serving God, getting an education, honest work, while optimizing their God-given talents. Tin Man held membership at Whitest Chapel Baptist Church, St. James Missionary Baptist Church, and Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. His infectious smile and warm personality were used to serve God by being a devoted member of the Usher Board at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. Paying attention to detail and finances, Tin was the Treasurer of the Lincoln High School Class of 1965 Alumni Association.

Tin Man was naturally gifted. Herb played the harmonica and guitar. An avid artist, Tin Man would sketch cars, wagons, toys, and small furniture in his free time. The creative youth took one of his sketches and made a wooden wagon that he and his sibling would happily ride in. Thriving in creativity, he enjoyed his building trades classes. During his youth, after sketching an item, he and his siblings would build many projects to entertain themselves.

While in high school, he played and lettered in football, and was given the nickname, “Red Eye.” Herbert was a 1965 graduate of Lincoln High School. After receiving his diploma, Tin Man moved to St. Louis, Missouri to find employment while living with his sister Christene and brother-in-law Johnnie Persley. God blessed him with employment at Ford Motor Company. The kind hearted gentleman would have his parents, siblings, cousins, and friends visit St. Louis. His family were always taken to the best museums, theatres, lush gardens, entertainment venues, restaurants, and historic sites. After decades of work, he retired from Ford Motor Company.

Longing to be with his loving family, he was excited to move back to Camden. Part of that allure was a lovely Camden woman. It was during his move back that he was united in holy matrimony with Gail Strickland. Favored by God, Gail and Herb welcomed two loving children: Christopher James and Camillia Latrice.

An astute man, he received his certification for Auto Mechanics at the Oil Belt Vocational Technical School (El Dorado, AR). God blessed him to returned to his Alma Mater (Lincoln High School) that he dearly loved and taught Auto Mechanics to high school students.

Again, never bored and using all of his God-given talents, making positive impacts on the community and doing his best to use his abilities, Pier-Pier was the proprietor of two businesses: Herb’s Garage on Center Street and Bradley Ferry Convenience Store. He also worked at Brunswick Defense and International Telephone and Telegraph Company. A driving enthusiast, Tin Man could be seen zipping around on his Hardley Davidson motorcycle. In addition to these endeavors, Tin and his brothers (sisters too) worked with his Dad, and all the enterprises his Dad created: Towing & Wrecking Services, The Elbo Room Café, Red Bird Cab Company, among many other businesses.

Tin Man was excessively fond of the 1978 musical, “The Wiz” movie. This movie featured Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, among others. Herb was fascinated by Mr. Russell’s performance as the Tinman, thus, he adopted his brand as “Tin Man.”

A happy-go-lucky gentleman, 2003 found his Uncle Jesse and Aunt Thelma Brown hosting a family reunion in Chicago. The family toured in chartered buses to Oprah Winfrey’s Recording Studio, Navy Pier, among other entertainment venues. Navy Peir was like a utopia for Tin Man. He was in his element observing the beauty of the earth, the sunlight was glistening on Lake Michigan, there were oodles of upscale and exquisite shops, and restaurants, so before the family left Chicago, Herb’s mantra was “Pier Pier.” 

When the world was impacted by COVID – 19, his siblings would gather on Zoom calls making sure that each were ok. Tin’s sister, Willie Mae hosted the meetings, asking siblings to come together to pray, share Bible verses and fellowship with one another. Each time Pier-Per would bring scriptures from Psalm, his favorite Book in the Bible.

In his free time, the fitness guru could be found doing several sporting activities to keep fit. No talent was left untapped. Pier Pier enjoyed boxing, playing basketball, dominoes and football. On any given day you could find him fishing, practicing Jujutsu (Martial Arts), and this skill he taught to his siblings, nieces and nephews who would willingly exercise with him. Tin Man excelled and used all his God-given talents.

Herb always enjoyed “Making a Block,” and going on the “Back Streets.” The brothers built a “Shed” where family would gather to “Chill” or just hang-out with one another. You could find Herb washing and waxing his Mustang, playing loud music, grilling, frying fish, laughing, and just fellowshipping with family. An eager fan of the Dallas Cowboys, he would always gather with family and friends to watch the games.

He leaves to cherish his memories six children: James (Kerie) Thomas, of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri; John Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia; Christopher Anderson of Tucson, Arizona; Camillia (Johnny) Bennett (Tempe, Arizona); Sabrina (Samuel) Perry (Oxford, Mississippi); and David Flowers (San Diego, California). Five adorable grandchildren that will treasure his legacy are: Jayden Alexander Thomas, Kole Austin Thomas, and Kennedy Ann Thomas (Lake Saint Louis, Missouri); Aaliyah Joy Anderson (Tucson, Arizona), and Justin Brian Phillips (Oxford, Mississippi)).

He is survived by his loving siblings: Christene Persley (Lakeville, Minnesota); Mary Helen Manuel (Homer, Louisiana); Willie Mae Turner (Little Rock, Arkansas), Dr. Joice (Rod) Jeffries (The Woodlands, Texas); Rev. Walter (Carolyn) Anderson, Fannie (Calvin) Thompson, Donald Ray Anderson, Roy Lee Anderson, Robert Lee Anderson, Ricky (Denise) Anderson, and Zaphrey (Barbara) Anderson (Camden). Herbert also leaves to cherish his memories, a sister-in-law Margaree Anderson (Stuttgart, Arkansas). Aunts that are savoring his legacy are: Thelma Brown (South Holland, IL), Annie Ruth Anderson (Camden, AR), Aggie Lee Franklin (Little Rock, AR), Ellen Taylor (Evanston, IL) and Annette Winters (Evanston, IL). His nieces and nephews, cousins and friends would always marvel at his jovial personality and willingness to give them a “Run for their money” at any sport. Indeed, “Pops”, Grand Pa, Tin, Pier Pier, Tin Man, Herb, had a life well-lived. We sing Hallelujah for the loving impact he had on our lives. We love you Herbert James Anderson. Sally forth Tin Man, you have your wings now. Rest in Heaven.

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