Mr. Hugh Merritt Anderson Sr., 86, died Saturday, June 27, 2009 in Milledgeville after a short illness. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in the chapel of Williams Funeral Home with burial following in Baldwin Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Warren Fox officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 30, at Williams Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m.

Mr. Anderson was born on Sydney Street in Atlanta on Jan. 7, 1923; he was the fifth of five sons born to Harriet Greene Anderson and Farris Furman Anderson.

He entered the Army Air Force in 1943 and served his country during World War II as a member of the 508th Fighter Squadron of the 404th Fighter Group until his Honorable Discharge in 1945. Rising to the rank of staff sergeant, he served as a camera technician in the European Theater, which began his life-long interest in photography.

On June 21, 1946, Hugh married Pattie Chipman, the love of his life. Mr. Anderson joined the Atlanta Fire Department in 1946 where he worked along with his father F.F. Anderson Sr. and brother, Joe, to fight the famous Winecoff Hotel Fire of 1946. He served the Atlanta Fire Department with pride for 34 years until his retirement as a battalion chief in 1979.

During his years with the fire department, he was privileged to have photographed many celebrities during the early days of the Muscular Dystrophy’s fundraisers. Hugh Anderson was a man of many interests and talents. Among these were the outdoors, woodworking, photography, fishing, camping, “finding things,” animals, dogs and dog training.

Self education was one of his passions, and he was constantly teaching himself about interesting topics. He was a member of Hardwick Baptist Church. Foremost in his life was his family: his wife, children and grand-children.

Mr. Anderson was predeceased by his parents and four brothers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Pattie C. Anderson; his son, Hugh (Rusty) M. Anderson Jr. (and wife Christy) of Flat Creek, Tenn.; his daughter, Sandra Fountain (and husband Mike) of Milledgeville; grandchildren, Jennifer F. Baltzegar (and husband Andy) of Raleigh, N.C., Stacey Fountain of Milledgeville, Rachael Anderson of Flat Creek, Tenn.; Brandy Anderson and Barry Anderson of Atlanta, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends also survive.

Express online condolences at www.williamsfuneralhome.net.

Williams Funeral Home & Crematory of Milledgeville, (478) 452-2148, has charge of arrangements.