Daryl "JR" James Anderson Jr- dedicated husband, father and friend of many- passed away on May 17, 2023 at the age of 76 in Traverse City.
Daryl was born on Sunday, December 29, 1946 to the late Daryl and Emma (Lichty) Anderson in Traverse City MI. He was known to many as a jokester, collector and dedicated Nascar fan, especially to his favorite driver Dale Ernhart Sr.
JR lived in the Grand Traverse area all his life while collecting toy cars, working at Genes Auto for 46 years since he was 17 years old. Throughout the years, Daryl enjoyed fishing with family and friends, hunting and making friends where ever he went. He was a stranger to no one and found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys and challenges of those around him. JR loved to camp with family, cook at campgrounds, enjoy delicious meals of all kinds, and make people laugh wherever he went. He was also an avid bowler and loved to show his bowling talents and his scores to those around him.
Daryl fell in love with his sweetheart, formerly known as Susan Phillips, and together their love for each other, life and happiness turned into marriage on Saturday, August 27, 1983 in Elk Rapids MI. Together they shared many years of laughter, jokes and unconditional love.
Daryl was preceded in death by his parents Daryl and Emma Anderson, as well as his brothers; Jim, Bud, Jack, Bill and Ken Anderson, as well as two sisters Shirley and Ruth. He is survived by his loving wife Susan; his daughter Tamara in Bellaire, his granddaughters Morgan and Rhiannon, his brother Lawence (Margaret) Anderson of Traverse City, and four sisters Arlene (Richard) Hall, Margaret Deveneau, Lucille (Duane) Conley and Carol (Wayne) Stites, and his two great grandchildren Silas and Scarlet.
JR's life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 3 at 11:00am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.