Anderson

William G. Anderson of Hilton Head, S.C., died Sunday.

Born in Emsworth, Pa., April 27, 1931, to John and Beatrice Anderson, Bill was one of four brothers raised by their mother in Donora, Pa.

Bill attended Penn State University and became a lifelong fan of Nittany Lion football. He later received his master's degree in business administration from George Washington University.

After attending Officers Candidate School, Bill went on to serve 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam, graduating from the National War College in Washington D.C., and attaining the rank of colonel. The Air Force took Bill and his family to various locations, including New York, Texas, Alabama, Hawaii and Virginia. The Air Force also provided Bill with many good friends and a lifetime worth of stories that he delighted in sharing.

He retired from the Air Force in 1974 and began a second career with Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh. Over a 14-year career, Bill rose to the level of senior vice president before leaving Mellon in 1987. Bill was president/CEO of Alpha Omega Technology from 1991 until 1997.

Bill retired to Hilton Head Island, S.C., in 2003.

An avid student of history and geopolitics, Bill was a voracious reader and spirited debater who relished a good discussion.

Often citing the rigors of his own early years and deeply appreciative of those who extended him a hand, Bill was a strong believer in helping those less fortunate. He continuously endeavored to make his community better, participating in numerous community organizations. He was a past president of the Military Officers Association of America, board member and counselor of S.C.O.R.E., member of the Sea Pines Men's Club and a member of the Country Club of Hilton Head.

Above all else, Bill was defined by his generosity of spirit. Unfailingly devoted to family and friends, he gave of himself in countless ways. He had a tremendous amount of empathy and a unique ability to instill confidence in others. He will be missed.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Enid; his children: Mike and his wife, Susan; Lisa and her husband, Bob; and Rob and his wife, Amelia; stepsons: Andy and his wife, Kathryn; and Adam and his wife, Carrie; and in-laws, Efrain and Maria Teresa Gonzalez. He also is survived by 10 beautiful grandchildren who he adored and an extended family of those who benefited from his wisdom and enjoyed sharing a good story.

<B>ANDERSON</B> — A visitation for William G. Anderson, who died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at <B>The Island Funeral Home</B>, 4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place later.In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to the Fisher House by visiting www.fisherhouse.org.