Roger Cole Anderson, III

Roger Cole Anderson, III – a faithful servant of God, loving husband to Cecelia (Starr) McCaleb and father to Roger Cole, IV and Keith Fitzgerald Anderson. After a seventy-five-year journey, he has returned to God, his maker. He was born in Bedford, Virginia, on November 11, 1942 and died on March 21, 2018, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the only son and youngest of seven children born to Dr. Roger Cole Anderson III and Inez Vashti Cheagle Anderson. After his parents’ early death, he was raised by his paternal grandmother Minnie Mangum Anderson in Oxford, North Carolina, where he was baptized at First Baptist Church-Granville Street, completed Orange Street School, and Mary Potter High School.
Blessed with God’s talents of quiet steadiness and sports skills, Roger achieved feats in high school track and field as well as football which opened doors to numerous colleges. Roger accepted a football scholarship to Virginia Union in Richmond, Virginia, the Alma Mater of both his parents. Here Roger received recognition for his football acumen: team captain, first team member of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), record holder of twenty unassisted tackles, holder of four letters, and All-American honors. On the football field, the National Football League (NFL) recruiters find a determined, compassionate and highly talented player for their league. Emlen Tunnell of the New York Giants recruited Roger as a defensive tackle where he earned recognition as one of the defensive “Baby Bulls.” His tackles protected renowned Y.A. Tittle, Frank Gifford, Fran Tarkington, and assisted Roosevelt “Rosey” Brown. Roger was a defensive and offensive tackle for several teams during his career: No. 73 for NFL New York Giants (1964-68), Canadian Football League (CFL) Montreal Alouettes, World Football League (WFL) Florida Blazers and Portland Thunder, and semipro Norfolk Neptunes in Norfolk, Virginia. He continued his passion and community service as a coach to I.C. Norcom High School and Norfolk State University, both of which who won respective championships. His greatest joy was being a family man with his wife (predeceased) and sons.
Included amongst Roger’s awards are recognitions of Oxford, North Carolina’s key to the city and “Roger Anderson Day” festivities sponsored by the Hester Crews Post #166; Mary Potter’s permanent exhibit at the George C. Shaw Museum in Oxford, North Carolina, and Virginia Union University’s Hall of Fame, as well as pictured in a Coco Cola’s collectible bottle cap.
Roger’s faith in God sustained him throughout his journey. He lived by scripture and reminded us that “Life without hope and faith is like a bird without wings.”
Sustaining Roger’s faith, hope and love are his sons: Roger Cole IV and Keith Fitzgerald Anderson; grandsons: Kameron and Kalen Anderson; Clara M. Hoggard, sister in law; living sisters: Rosamond Skinner, Juanita Killian, Minnie Collins and Brenda Sturdivant; nephews: Mark and Willard Sturdivant, Lance Collins; Eugene, Carl, and Paul Skinner; Edmund, Samuel and Roger Thomas; nieces: Yasmine Thomas, Cherisse Killian, Inez Skinner, and Janene Collins.
The family of Roger Cole Anderson, III extends our deepest appreciation for your love and support during our bereavement. Praise Be to God. God is good all the time.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7