Kenneth Clay Anderson

On February 15, 1952, Kenneth Clay Anderson was one of the last babies born at St. Anthony’s in Morrilton, Arkansas. Clay was raised on a farm in the Grandview community by his parents, Kenneth Edsel and Mary Anderson. He was a graduate of Nemo Vista High School (Center Ridge) and Harding University (Searcy); he earned a Master’s from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville). Clay passed from this world on May 31, 2023; he passed at home where he was surrounded by family and where he could view his beloved golf course. He was a member of the Fulshear Church of Christ (Fulshear, Texas) and the Weston Lakes Country Club (Weston Lakes, Texas). Clay was married to Rita Gray Anderson for nearly 49 years. He is survived by Rita of Weston Lakes; son Jeremy (Mary) Anderson and granddaughters Karis and Kenzie, of Tampa, Florida; sisters Melissa Polk (Garry) of Center Ridge, Barbara Hunter (Gary) of Sherwood, and Melanie Anderson Hollis of Center Ridge; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and daughter Rea Fawn Anderson Spence. A CPA, Clay was employed for nearly 30 years by Conoco-Phillips in finance and accounting in a career that took him to Ponca City, Oklahoma, West Lake, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas. Clay was an avid golfer, maintaining a single-digit handicap until the last few weeks of his life. He and a fellow cancer patient were excited to win their flight in a recent golf tournament at Weston Lakes. He loved following Razorback sports and when possible attended football, basketball, and baseball games, most recently the college baseball showcase in Arlington. He enjoyed watching all kinds of televised Razorback sports including gymnastics, softball, and both indoor and outdoor track. Clay enjoyed traveling and hiking. He and Rita celebrated their 40th anniversary with a trip to Paris and Normandy. In 2016 they hiked over 150 miles in all five national parks in Utah as well as Mesa Verde in Colorado. They enjoyed traveling to various Caribbean Islands and spending the hottest part of summer in either Cloudcroft or Red River, New Mexico. He was an excellent photographer but his favorite subject were flowers and plants. He particularly enjoyed the National Gardens in Barbados and Claude Monet’s Garden in France. Wherever he traveled, he made an attempt to visit local botanical gardens. He also enjoyed fishing, particularly on the “big pond” at his parent’s place in Grandview. A visit to Arkansas invariably included a fish fry after an afternoon on the pond bank with family. He is already missed by so many in his community and his family. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at the Harris Chapel with Bro. Charles Bane officiating. Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Kenneth Clay Anderson

February 15, 1952 - May 31, 2023