Joseph Albert "Andy" Anderson, 87, of Mechanicsville, MD died December 26, 2008 in St. Mary's Hospital. Born February 7, 1921 in Mechanicsville, MD he was the son of the late Cora Williams and James Briscoe Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Regina "Dolly" Barber Anderson on July 31, 1991 and whom he married on March 5, 1943 in St. Joseph's Church, Morganza, MD.

He was the devoted father of Jennings Anderson, Lois Hodges, Bert Anderson, Faye Downs and Nancy Bowles all of Mechanicsville, MD and Janet Bowles of Park Hall, MD.

He is also survived by his siblings: Gladys Barber, Marie Chesley and Elva Mattingly-Wood all of Mechanicsville, MD and Helen Thompson of Solomons, MD as well as 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was also preceded in death by his siblings Robert Anderson, Herman Anderson, Harold Anderson, Adrian Anderson, Everette Anderson and Briscoe Anderson.

He was a lifelong St. Mary's County resident where he attended Margaret Brent High School and was a farmer and truck driver for Thrift Oil/Burch Oil from which he retired in 1983. He was also a lifelong horseman, who enjoyed horsepulling and along with his brother Robert, brought horsepulling to St. Mary's County. He also enjoyed fox hunting, jousting and playing cards; poker in his younger days and pitch with his family and friends. He looked forward to the Compton dances with "Bob Norris and the Country Cousins."

The family received friends on December 29, 2008 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD with Fr. Peter Alliata officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Pallbearers will be Dale Anderson, Annette Hodges, Ebby Bell, Vic Anderson, Weylin Anderson, Ashley Anderson and J.R. Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Takisha Bowles, Loretta Fields, Donna Gardner, Dee Norris, Cody Anderson, Shelby Anderson and Julie Marcos.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 and/or Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.