John Willard Anderson Jr.

JOHN WILLARD ANDERSON, JR.

John Willard Anderson, Jr., 87, passed from his earthly home into the arms of Jesus on January 13, 2026, after a long illness. He was at home with his loving wife of 50 years, Bonnie, in Sebring, Florida. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his sister, Dolly Hedstrom of Madisonville, Tennessee, as well as a very large family and many friends.

John was born on December 25, 1939, in Warwick, Rhode Island to John W. Anderson, Sr. and Dorothy Greer Anderson. John’s childhood was one of many treasured memories. At his childhood home (the house on the pond) he swam, fished, sailed and skated. The love of these water sports led to a life filled with all the things that John loved and enjoyed. He was a camp counselor for several summers and he taught many to ski, fish, swim and sail. He was also an eagle scout. John was defined by his kindness, patience and willingness to help others.

After graduation from Warwick Veterans High School in 1959, he enlisted in the army. He served his country for two years. Upon discharge from the army, John enrolled in college and earned a degree in Computer Science and Technology. He was hired by the Burroughs Corporation and was in upper management for 45 years.

John met Bonnie in 1973 when she was working as a waitress at G.C. Murphy’s. Friends introduced them and John seduced Bonnie to go on their first date... fishing! They were married three years later. They moved to Nashua, New Hampshire, where Bonnie practiced nursing and John pursued his career in technology. They loved to snow ski and sail. They bought their first boat early in their marriage. John was happiest when he was on the water as captain of his vessel, so they took advantage of every opportunity to be on the water.

One day John called Bonnie at work and told her to quit her job. He was taking early retirement and they were moving onto the boat. Their years of travel and adventure extended beyond local and short cruises. They traveled up and down the east coast of the United States, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and many other beautiful destinations. They loved Exuma, Bahamas most of all. They spent several winters in the beautiful Caribbean sunshine where they attended ‘Beach Church’, where over 100 boaters worshiped together. They loved their life on the water for over 30 years.

John took his sailing and safety seriously. He took courses in navigation, radio operation and everything needed to captain his vessel with confidence and safety. He also received his Coast Guard Commercial Captain’s License. His knowledge and proficiency spilled over into teaching others the joy of the things that he loved.

John’s great big sense of humor brightened any room. He could make a joke out of almost anything. He teased Bonnie and they laughed together often.

John and Bonnie moved to Sebring, Florida in 2010, where they enjoyed community living and many activities in the Florida sunshine.

John pursued his dream of life on the water, and his loving wife, Bonnie, encouraged and participated in every one of his loves... sailing, skiing, dancing, laughing, looking out over the sea at the sunrise and the sunset.

John and Bonnie shared a love for all time.

Even as we grieve, we have hope and faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord of all things.

There will be a memorial service for John Anderson on Saturday, February 14 at First Baptist Church of Avon Park, 100 N. Lake Ave., Avon Park, Florida 33825. Doors will open at 10:30am for family and friends and the memorial service will be at 11:00am.

Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida www.stephensonnelsonfh.com