Paul Ray Anderson

Viewed: 1,177

Paul Ray Anderson, age 90, passed away on August 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, integrity, and devotion to family and community.

He was born on October 29, 1935, in Coffeeville, Clarke County, Alabama, and from an early age he learned strong values from his parents, Fletcher and Elizabeth Anderson, that would guide him throughout his life. Paul was a humble man of strong character, steady purpose, and deep conviction.

Paul attended Semmes High School, near Mobile, Alabama, where he excelled at football, baseball, and basketball, and formed memories that remained with him throughout his life. There, he met his lifelong companion and beloved wife, Augustine Howell. They were married for 64 years until her passing in 2017. Their marriage was a lasting example of devotion and enduring love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fletcher and Elizabeth Anderson; four brothers, F.A, Dillon, A.G., and Perry Anderson, two sisters, Mary Anderson and Ann McNeal, and his great-grandson, Andrew Burkhalter.

Paul is survived by two sisters; Louise Davis, Fort Walton Beach, FL and Carolyn Stoker, Oxford, GA; five children: Don Anderson (Marsha), Gainesville, FL, Karen Cox, Destin, FL, Randy Anderson (Lynda), Wicksburg, AL, Sherry Burkhalter (Larry), Tumbleton, AL, and Elisa Rasmussen (Steve), Bainbridge, GA; Thirteen grandchildren: Lauren Balloon, Angela Cox, Kathryn Happoldt, Clifton Cox, Emily Cox, Jessica Morris, Robert Anderson, Daniel Burkhalter, Bradley Burkhalter, Catherine Gopal, Elisabeth Perry, Paul Randall Soden, and Alexander Soden. Thirty-two great-grandchildren: Cam, Kinley, Chloe, Bella, Ansley, Fisher, Savannah, Caroline, Emerson, Anderson, Nathaniel, Broderick, Jasper, Adelyn, Lillian, Clifton III (Tripp), John Henry, Charlotte, Paisley, Elijah, Margaret, Adelyn Raye, Mason, Emma Kate, Tucker, Graham K., Penn Howell, Jack G., Vivian Augustine, Catherine (Cate) D., Sophia Elise, and Ella Marie.

Paul started working as an apprentice carpenter in 1952. After advancing to superintendent and working for other companies for a few years, he started his own construction company in 1966. His career as a successful homebuilder and general contractor was based on his motto “Work of Distinction”. Through his leadership, his company, Paul R. Anderson Builders, Inc. earned a reputation of excellence. He continued working well into his eighties, and although he never really retired, he gradually turned his attention to his farm, Casablanca Ranch, in Henry County, Alabama, focusing on raising cattle and an orchard full of fruit trees and garden plants. He loved having his family and friends spend time with him there.

His spiritual journey began around age thirty-nine when he accepted Christ as his Savior. Later, as an ordained deacon and a Sunday School Teacher for many years, Paul loved to study the Bible and share it with others. He loved the Lord and his relationship with God shaped the way he approached each day. He leaves behind a rich heritage that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him, and the values he lived by will continue in the lives of those he touched.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Central Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Sunset Funeral Home and on Saturday from 1:00pm-2:00pm at the church. Paul will be laid to rest in Anderson Family Cemetery in Tumbleton, Alabama.