David Anderson Sr.

David Anderson, Sr., affectionately known by his family and close friends as “Muzzy,” was born on April 7, 1940, in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, to the late Richard Charles (Ezelle) Anderson and Mable (Mitt) Harris. He was blessed to grow up surrounded by the love and affection of a big family, being the third born of nine children.

Throughout his childhood, David was very active in sports– his favorites being football, basketball and track. He carried great pride as an avid fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and Cleveland Browns. He graduated from Dubois High School in 1960. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he also played football. After being honorably discharged in 1963, he was drafted by the New York Giants. Later in 1963, he succumbed to injury and moved to Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Ola Mae.

David and Ola met in Middletown, Ohio, and after several years of dating, they married on October 21, 1967. Over the next 57 years, they built a beautiful life together filled with love, commitment and shared memories. They bought a home in Dayton and raised their three children: two sons, Bernard (“BJ”) Eugene and David Jr., and their only daughter, Tonya Louise. David worked diligently at General Motors for over 35 years until he retired in 1983.

Beyond his deep love for family, David’s tried and truest passion was serving the Lord and his community. Along with his wife, David was a devout member of Summit Christian Church for over 60 years. He served faithfully in many roles, including as president of the Deacon Board, president and treasurer of the Disciples Men’s Fellowship, church treasurer and church custodian.

David served the church until his last day on this earth, even remotely supporting his fellows when he and his wife relocated to Garland, TX in 2022.

David was preceded in passing from this world by parents Richard Charles (Ezelle) Anderson and Mable (Mitt) Harris; his siblings, James Anderson, Alfred Anderson, Reginald (Naomi) Anderson, Timothy (Wanda L.) Anderson, Fannie Elizabeth Rogers, and Mary Harris; and special cousins, William “Sunny” Oldham and Diane Clemons.

David will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 57 years, Ola Mae Anderson; his sons, Bernard (Nicole) Johnson and David Anderson, Jr.; his daughter, Tonya (Marlon) Bass; his granddaughters, Dominique Nicole Johnson and Sydney Alexandria Johnson; and his grandsons, Kaleb LeKeith Bass and Braylon Ahmad Bass. He is also survived by his siblings, George (Jude) Anderson and William (Robin) Harris; sisters-in-law, Rosetta Anderson and Wanda M. Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral service 11 am Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Summit Christian Church, 4021 Denlinger Rd., Trotwood, OH. Visitation 10 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends. Arrangement entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

Graveside service 1 pm Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Anderson Sr., please visit our floral store.