Richard Grissim Anderson Sr.

Richard Grissim Anderson, Sr. passed from this earthly life to his heavenly home holding the hand of Jesus on February 4, 2026. Death was just an instant in a full and wonderful life. He found joy in every day and always had that mischievous, boyish glint in his eyes. He loved life and shared that zeal with everyone he met. Dick was born August 8, 1936 in Nashville, Tennessee, to Kathryn Elizabeth Grissim Anderson and William Carroll Anderson, Sr. He graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy where he excelled in football, basketball, and tennis even though he had suffered from rheumatic fever as a child. In all things throughout his life, Dick was highly competitive, always striving to be better. In 1954 at MBA, he was the first quarterback for the legendary coach Tommy Owen. After being at Vanderbilt for a brief time, he enlisted in the US Army. During his deployment he served in Berlin, Germany, where he was a member of the unit that guarded the sole prisoner, Rudolph Hess, at Spandau Prison. While there he also played for the Army's Berlin Bears football team, and they won the Northern League Championship in 1957. Serving his country was an honor for Dick. He was so appreciative of all the troops who support and serve America. When his son, Dee, was part of the forces in the Gulf War, he was filled with enormous anxiety but so very proud of him. Upon Dick's return from Germany he graduated from Western Kentucky University, married, started a family and began a long and successful career in the insurance industry. Dick began as a salesman with Royal Globe of London and in 1961 was assigned the Knoxville territory. He never left. His career was accelerated with his association with Mr. Tom Broadus who owned a local insurance agency. During his 40 years in the business, his positions changed but never the drive, positivity, nor will to succeed. He was associated with several American companies as well as some abroad. He built his career on honesty and integrity in addition to his competitive spirit that was evident in everything he did. As a single dad for several years, nothing was more important to him than the welfare of his two children. He cherished his family. In 1980, on a blind date, he met Denise Scarbrough. They were married in 1981, and the family grew, lovingly including her young son, Jason. Now there were five in this blended family. A blessing for all of them. Dick and Denise shared forty-four wonderful years together. Watching his children and grandchildren play their different sports was a highlight in Dick's life. When they were on the field, they could count on him being in the stands quietly being their biggest fan. He was loathe to miss one game of any kind. However, he didn't understand equestrian competitions where granddaughter Carter excelled, though he loved being there to support her. They all were his pride and joy, and he wanted them to feel that. Dick loved to orchestrate and be in charge. He was called The Chair, Spoon (always stirring up trouble), Big, Clutch, but also referred to as mentor, friend, dad and Poppy. He was a bundle of positive energy. No moss grew under his feet. After he retired (and even before) he would proclaim that "Golf was his LIFE". He traveled the US, Scotland, and Ireland playing on every course he possibly could. But even better than the game, he loved the camaraderie he shared with his many buddies. Dick had lifelong friends, old friends, young friends, and new friends in all walks of life. He loved others generously. When he could no longer play golf, he would wait on the postal carrier and the yard crews on the street to insist they have an Arnold Palmer iced tea and an ice cream. Dick was very creative and was infamous for his original Christmas cards. He also was a dapper dresser, being named one of Knoxville's Best Dressed Men in his heyday. Dick enjoyed serving his community as president of the Knoxville Racquet Club, president of the West Knoxville Sertoma Club and as a member on the board of Helen Ross McNabb. He was a long time member of Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church and Cherokee Country Club. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his elder brother William Carroll Anderson, Jr. and the mother of his children, Ann Embry Anderson. Dick is survived by his wife, Denise Anderson; his daughter Ashley Anderson Pizzato and her husband Michael, his son Richard Grissism (Dee) Anderson, Jr. and his wife Anne, his stepson Jason Elliot Scarbrough and his wife Lucy; grandchildren Kelsey Zwack (Matt), Hayley Bohlen (Aaron), Carter Anderson, Grissim Anderson, Eli Scarbrough, and Lilly Scarbrough; great granddaughter Virginia Jane Zwack. The family would like to thank UT Hospice for their care and support during a difficult time. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow in Barron Hall. If you so wish, memorials may be made to Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 1030. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Richard Grissim Anderson Sr.

August 8, 1936 - February 4, 2026