Don Miller Anderson passed away at his home in Leggett, NC on May 3, 2026. He was 85 years old.

He was born in Edgecombe County to Arrington Anderson and Goldie Stokes Anderson. He graduated from North Edgecombe High School in 1958 and spent his entire life farming in Edgecombe County.

He is preceded in death by his youngest son, Gregory Todd Anderson and his sister Carol Anderson Redding. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruby Jean Braddy Anderson and 3 children, Jean Anderson Nash (Brent), Don Anderson, Jr(Charlene) and Karen Renee Anderson. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and a great granddaughter on the way.

He is also survived by his brothers, Col. Calvin Curtis Anderson (Christine) and Col. Wilbur (Andy) Anderson.

Don was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved turkey hunting. In his younger years, Rock fishing and deer hunting were his favorites. He had many terrific hunting dogs throughout the years, but he loved all of his german shorthaired pointer “Minnies” the most. He particularly enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for the outdoors with any interested youth.

With Ruby’s help, Don was a beekeeper for many years. Sharing honey, homemade grape jelly and delivering sweet corn and peanuts to his friends made him happy. He was a quiet man most of the time but sometimes forgot he was and he would break into a storytelling session.

He founded Creekwood Hunt Club in his twenties with the original hunting club being Ruby Jean’s kitchen. That kitchen also served as the shop for his taxidermy business. In later years, he loved gathering at Fat’s trailer and the current clubhouse, or enjoying Sundays at Bennett’s Park.

A practical joker, his favorite holiday behind Christmas was April Fool’s Day. And at Christmas, the family knew that is was never about the cost of the gift or the size, but the number of packages he got to unwrap.

In addition to Don M Anderson Farms, Don was a charter member of the Edgecombe Cotton Growers Gin and Warehouse. He helped found Parkway Ag and served on the Edgecombe County Ag Advisory Board. He was awarded top grower awards several times for cotton and peanuts. He was a past member of the Leggett Volunteer Fire Department.

More than anything in his life, he loved his business partner, life partner, caregiver, Rock, friend and sweetheart, Ruby Jean.

Services will be held at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro, NC on Wednesday May 6 at 3pm with visitation also at Carlisle from 1-3 pm prior to the service.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s hospital are encouraged.