Mr. A.P. Anderson, Jr., age 97, of Lenoir passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Amorem Hospice in Hudson.

Born May 2, 1926 in Caldwell County, A.P. was a son of the late A.P. Anderson Sr. and Vera Houck Anderson.  A.P. was a self-made and well known businessman and community patron.  A.P. and his wife, Mabel "Bunch", established Caldwell Freight Lines in 1956.  They built the company into one of the largest furniture carriers in the Southeast United States.  A.P. was known for taking great interest in his employees and their families. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf and finding a good bargain at the flea market.  A.P. was an avid supporter of numerous organizations and community projects.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during World War II.  A.P. was a member of First Baptist Church of Lenoir where he served on numerous committees.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Mabel "Bunch" Anderson; three brothers, H. Jack Anderson (wife Geneva "Boots"), Charles W. Anderson (wife Helen) and E. Carl Anderson Sr. (wife Wilhemina); three sisters, Annie Owens (husband Oneal), Ruth Mikeal (husband Leroy) and Geneva Watson (husband Robert); a brother in law, Ken Eller.

Survivors include a sister, Pauline Anderson Eller of Lenoir; his special caregivers, Mary Avery, Diane Robert and Peggy McGarity; his beloved dog, Molly; he is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A memorial service celebrating A.P.'s life will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Greer-McElveen Funeral Home with Dr. Josh Hughes and Dr. David Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church of Lenoir at 304 Main Street NW, Lenoir, NC  28645 or to Foothills Canine Rescue at 220 Joycetown Church Road, Lenoir, NC  28645.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Anderson family.