JAMES ‘CHIP’ OTIS ANDERSON (CANDYMAN)

James “Chip” Otis Anderson (Candyman) was born Oct. 25, 1961, in Hereford, to Tilman “Fox” Anderson Sr. and Floria L. Adkison Anderson.

A talented young man, he grew up in the Sandy Community of Coolidge and attended Mexia and Coolidge public schools, graduating in 1980.

In 1981, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Fort Campbell, Kent.; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; and Frankfurt, Germany. James advanced to Specialist Four in the Army ranks, and he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal Award for his service, commitment and leadership. During his enlistment, he excelled and successfully completed several trainings in battalion, vehicle, and generator mechanics. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in November 1986.

As a young man, he exhibited strong leadership among his family and local community. He was baptized at Union Memorial United Methodist Church.

A gifted mechanic, he worked as a plant operator at Valcan Mining and Cedar Creek Mining, and a backhoe operator for the City of Groesbeck. From a young age, Chip was a budding animal trainer that enjoyed farm life and his beloved pets. Always busy, he enjoyed gardening, cars, motorcycles/dirt bikes, hosting, and hunting. Often lending a hand, he was a devoted brother, uncle and friend.

Our favorite Scorpio, Chip, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 23, 2021 at his home in Groesbeck. His mother and father preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory six siblings, aunts, a host of nieces and nephews and family friends: Madeline Anderson, of Houston, Tilman “Ray” Anderson III of Coolidge, Mary Bradley, Debra Ray of Groesbeck, Sandra (Cleo) McDonald, Kathy (Ronnie) Bradford of Waco, and Tillie Anderson; three aunts, Dorothy (Claude) of Coolidge, Mary (Curtis) Jones of Mexia, and Mae Etta Bibbs of Lubbock.

He had five siblings who preceded him in death: Valorie Jo Adkison, Velma Diane Anderson, Herbert Darnell Anderson, Anthony Anderson and David Mack. He was loved by his 18 nephews and nieces and 41 great-nieces and nephews.

In addition, the family would like to acknowledge his special friends: Octavia McGruder and her children, Patricia “Puddin” Mooney, Rose Mary Thomas, Drick Brooks, Dennis, Erica, and Janie Ray, Juicy, and others who helped him during his time of need.

Arrangements and service entrusted to Pearly Gates Funeral Home. Service was held at Union Memorial United Methodist Church on Oct. 31.