Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) William Sterling Anderson

LTC (Ret.) William Sterling Anderson passed away on October 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 3, 1942, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he was the son of the late William Jeff and Agnes Gossett Anderson.

Sterling’s lifelong love story with his wife, Jane Bishop Anderson, began in third grade and continued when they reconnected in Ms. Hill’s 10th grade English class at Spartanburg High School. Their childhood friendship grew into a loving marriage, which resulted in four children, many grandchildren, and a lifetime of shared experiences, family and memories.

A hardworking man from a young age, Sterling began earning money at age eight by working at a neighborhood market and, when of age, delivering newspapers. Throughout his life he took pride in working hard and helping others whenever possible. His achievement of Eagle Scout as a teenager truly exhibited his character and focus on service above self.

In 1964 Sterling earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wofford College in Economics. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate, receiving the Chicago Tribune Award for Meritorious Leadership; selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities; and served as Wofford’s ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander during his senior year. He was also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and sang in Wofford’s Men’s Glee Club.

Following college graduation, Sterling was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed for 18 months in Ayers Kaserne, Germany. In 1966, he returned to Spartanburg upon the death of his father and then, after a brief stint in the U.S. Army Reserve, served in the South Carolina Army National Guard until his retirement in 1987 with just under 23 total years of military service. His military service as a field artilleryman included overseas service in the U.S. Army (1964–1966); 19 years in the South Carolina National Guard (1968-1987); and service with the Adjutant General’s Staff Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Columbia. He also served as Vice President (1981-1982) and President (1983) of the SC National Guard Association.

Sterling’s professional career focused on sales and management, as he owned and operated several mobile home businesses and worked in the automobile industry. He devoted his later professional life to Vic Bailey Ford in Spartanburg, where he served as Fleet Manager and General Manager. Over the years, he sold vehicles to hundreds of businesses, individuals, families and law enforcement agencies throughout South Carolina and the surrounding region. Yet his work was about more than selling cars - it was about building relationships, earning trust and serving people.

Sterling was a dedicated public servant and elected official to both the State of South Carolina, the City of Spartanburg, and their citizens. He was elected to the South Carolina Legislature (House District 34) in 1976 and served until 1987. During that time he served two terms as Speaker Pro Tempore (1982-1985). He also led as committee chairman, SC House Operations and Management Committee, and a member of the Tourism and Trade Committee and the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee member. In 2013, he was elected as a Council Member for District 1 of the City of Spartanburg and proudly served until 2019.

Locally, Sterling was an active member of Sertoma International through the Downtown Sertoma Club, where he held numerous leadership positions including President (1968–69). He was selected as Sertoman of the Year (1969) and Governor, Upper Piedmont District of Sertoma International, two terms, and awarded the Distinguished Governor Award. His additional service included Board of Visitors member, Winthrop College (1983); Governor’s Task Force to Study Automobile Rates; Mason in the Arcadia Lodge 285; and Hejaz Shrine and Hillbilly Clan No. 2. He was also recognized in Personalities of the South (1978–79) for his distinguished contributions.

In younger years he proudly coached Red Shield Boys’ Club Team and Fernwood Bantam Football Team, winning three city championships. Later he coached his sons’ youth baseball and basketball teams and won various local championships.

Sterling’s faith in God was strong and church was a consistent part of his life. He began attending Second Presbyterian Church as a high school student and he remained an active member throughout his life. He served as a church elder many times, served on various committees, and helped shepherd the church’s finances, service, and infrastructure. He was instrumental in building the Gus Prill Christian Education Center. Sterling and other church leaders led the effort for the church to partner with the Jumpstart South Carolina ministry, which continues today.

Sterling also cherished his place in Second Presbyterian’s history as a member of its 1961 championship-winning basketball team, which even beat local high school teams. His enduring involvement at Second Presbyterian reflected the importance of faith, fellowship and service in his life, all of which he and Jane passed along to their children and grandchildren.

In recognition of his life-long service to the citizens of South Carolina, Sterling was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by SC Governor Richard W. Riley on June 4, 1983. This award is the state’s highest civilian honor given to recognize a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions of national or statewide significance to the people and prosperity of South Carolina. Whether through his professional work, public service, church involvement or community organization service, Sterling found meaning in connecting with others and making a difference.

Family time included Sterling and Jane actively supporting their children and grandchildren through their various athletic and artistic activities. Many wonderful memories were made when boating and skiing on Lake Bowen and Lake Murray. The family also had much fun together on annual trips to the beach with their most recent years spent at Pawleys Island. And although Sterling was a Wofford Terrier, he was also a loyal University of South Carolina Gamecock fan. Accordingly, the family spent much time tailgating and cheering for the Gamecocks at USC football games.

Sterling’s strong faith and unwavering work ethic carried him through life’s challenges, which he faced head-on with determination and courage. He overcame adversity and used his experiences to inspire others to persevere, never give up and always trust in God. Through it all, his devoted wife, Jane, stood by him with unwavering love, faith and support. Sterling’s favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28, was the cornerstone of his life, and a constant reminder of his steadfast faith.

Sterling is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jane; children, Cheri Anderson-Hucks (Curt); Julie Anderson Washburn (Ken); Colonel W. Sterling Anderson II (Tonya); and J. Patrick Anderson (Leah); and grandchildren Jane-Kathryn and Louisa Hucks; Sophia Washburn; Emily Washburn Coley (Captain Joseph;) and James and Pierce Anderson; childhood friend and brother-in-law J. Roy Bishop, Jr. (JoAnn); and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Sterling was preceded in death by two infant siblings; his brother, Raymond Anderson; parents-in-law, J. Roy and Eunice Bishop; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Bishop.

Sterling will be remembered for his strong work ethic; his commitment to service to his community, state and country; his deep faith; and the many friendships he built throughout his life. He leaves behind a loving family and many special friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the people he helped and the community he served.

The family would like to thank the many healthcare professionals who lovingly cared for Sterling in recent years, especially the men and women at White Oak North Grove on the 600 wing. We are eternally grateful for their care, compassion and devotion to Sterling and the entire Anderson family. God bless you all!

Receiving of friends will be held Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 from 5-7 pm at JM Dunbar Funeral Home (690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376).

A celebration of Sterling’s life will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Second Presbyterian Church (438 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303), with full military burial immediately following at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens (Fernwood Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307).

In remembrance of Sterling, memorial donations may be made to Second Presbyterian Church (438 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303); Jumpstart South Carolina (PO Box 1050, Spartanburg, SC 29304-1050); or Warriors Once Again (199 North Dean Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302).