Boyd H. Anderson, Jr.

My father-in-law, Boyd Anderson, died and went to be with the Lord this past Sunday, November 1, 2015. I would like to share some things about him. He was a remarkable man in many ways.

He was a rarity in that he was actually born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. So many Floridians are transplants but he was the real deal. We would drive around town and he could share childhood memories of places he played that were once Florida “jungle” that now are developed and landscaped neighborhoods.

After finishing high school, he went to Georgia Tech and graduated with an engineering degree. After finishing there, he decided he did not want to be an engineer and so went to the University of Florida and received a law degree. His father was a judge in Ft. Lauderdale and so he stayed in the “family business” practicing law. He was extremely intelligent. I’ve told many people, tongue in cheek, that my personal challenge was having a father-in-law who was literally one of the smartest people I knew.

Boyd Anderson, who I came to call “Dad”, dealt with tremendous personal challenges of his own that were much, much more serious. His wife, Nancy, died of cancer when my wife, Connie, was 10 years old. He was left to raise five children, ages 10 through 20, on his own. He took his mandate to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord very seriously. Having reached and passed the age he was when he became a widower I simply marvel at how he handled that. God’s grace was evident.

Dad took his faith in Jesus Christ very seriously. He had a strong, inquisitive mind about the truths of Scripture. Thus, he had a library that would make most pastors envious. Many of my commentary sets are those he gave to me. He was a strong supporter of R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. He was greatly impacted by theologian and Christian apologist Francis Schaeffer, even becoming good friends with him. For this reason, I own an autographed copy of Schaeffer’s complete works- thanks to Dad.

This leads me to say that giving was, to put it in a common expression, his “love language.” He was the model of generosity. He gave to family and he gave to others. He took great pains to buy just the right gifts for all his children, their spouses, and grandchildren at Christmas and birthdays. He supported a variety of ministries and helped several church friends through seminary. He helped people in need. He realized God had blessed him and was eager to share that blessing with others.

There’s much, much more I could write about him. I’m very grateful for his life and faith as it impacted his own children and his grandchildren. He left a great legacy.

This Saturday I get the great honor and privilege of preaching his funeral in Ft. Lauderdale at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church where served as an elder for many years. I will be happy to share these kinds of thoughts but also will be quick to add that Dad knew he needed the gospel. He knew he needed the forgiving and justifying work of the Lord Jesus.   His expressed hope and trust was in the finished work of Jesus Christ. That’s the great comfort his family shares at this time.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement for Connie and our family.