William Arthur Anders “ Andy”,

age 79, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, surrounded by his family at Bradley County Medical Center. He was born on June 1, 1947, in Warren, AR to the late Arthur Calvin Anders and Iris Janet Reynolds Anders. Andy was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church and was baptized in Moro Creek in Jersey, AR. He was a retired educator and football coach. He served as assistant coach for Smackover (19701974), assistant coach for Hampton (1975-76), head coach for Hermitage (1977), head coach for Hampton (1978-1985), and principal for Hampton (1986-2006).

Other than his parents he is preceded in death by his brother, Steve Anders, Sr. and his sister, Brenda Anders Stroud.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Melinda Rowell Anders whom he married in 2000; sons, Ashley Anders and spouse Sheri of Warner Robins, GA, Paige Anders and spouse Erin of Hernando, MS, Justin Hall of Pinehurst, NC, and Tyler Hall and spouse Amber of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Maddie Anders of Monticello, AR; eleven grandchildren Mary Alex, Cade, Camden, Beau, Jake, Will, Roman, Maverick, Ivar, Soren, and Josephine; brother-in-law, Donnie Stroud of Crossett, AR; sister-in-law, Nancy Anders of Warren, AR along with a host of extended family members and friends.

Andy spent many of his days piddling around his farm, tending to his cows, listening to Willie’s Roadhouse, hunting around Moro Creek, crappie fishing, and watching college football. He was passionate about reminiscing with his family and friends, riding his tractor, cooking fresh vegetables, eating fried fish, and was an avid collector of turkey beards.

Graveside service was 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Shady Grove Cemetery in Jersey, AR. Burial was in Shady Grove Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home.