Arthur Anderson

Ray‘s life
Arthur Ray Anderson Sr. was the second child born to Raymond and Essie Mae Anderson on May 23, 1939 in Texarkana, Texas. At a tender age his first recollection (memory) was when they entered the windy city of Odessa a large brown object attached the car. It hit the car with such violence it made the car shake. Later he was told it was a tumbleweed.
He attended Douglas Elementary and Blackshear High School where he played football, basketball, Golden Gloves Amateur boxing competitions and song in the high school choir. Being a diligent worker he entered the working force by helping his mother in her day care business called the Playland Day Care.
Later he was employed at Zale's Jewelry store and also worked at his mother's teenage place the Cozy Lounge. He was known as a person that kept the teenage busy and out of trouble.
The love of music prompted him to start a band in his twenties. Arthur gathered a group of talented friends that could sing and play instruments. They were thinking of a name for the band as they laid around on the Woodson Park when suddenly a B-29 plane flew overhead.
Arthur Ray then name the band the B-29ers. They played in cities all around the area and also played back up to Tina Turner, Chuck Berry , Etta James to name a few. He was manager, drum player and lead singer. Later he quit the band and worked at Quicksilver full time and worked at Essie's Drive Inn part time for his mother.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own business Arthur Ray's Diner on Wabash St. Later in 2000 he moved to a new location on S. Jackson St. As a chef he was passionate about his cooking.
He would often send plates out to the elder citizens without them calling for a plate. He had a wide smile and a natural down-home friendliness that made a person feel at home. He had the same temperament at his home before he became disabling. He trained all his children to work in the business. He allowed his son Wesley to take over the business with our older son Arthur Jr. giving advice, Herbert Ray and Regan helping.
He was a loving daddy to our four children and grandchildren. He supported them in their activities. He was adamant about teaching his sons to be men and instructing his daughter at a early age to become a lady. He spoiled all four of them. He was always available at their beckoned call. He taught each one about becoming a Christian, the Lord and the business. He was a generous man.
He was a loving and devoted husband. He loved challenging his wife in her kitchen. He often stated he knew God chose his wife for him.
He loved the Lord from the early beginning of his childhood. He was baptized in the Church of Christ. He was a faithful and active member of the church. He served as song leader, Adult Sunday class and he preached. He was ordained as an elder at the Carver Heights congregation.
He also conducted Bible studies in his home to bring the loss to Christ. He will be a tremendous loss to his family, church family and community.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his big sister Darlene Anderson Rigsby and devoted nice Alma Batie.
Those that have been enriched by Arthur Ray that will cherish his memories are his devoted loving wife Sarah Cleopatra Cox Anderson, four children, Arthur Ray Anderson Jr.(Gloria), Herbert Ray Anderson III(Marina), James Wesley Anderson and daughter Regan S. Anderson Bell(Brandon), sister Dorothy Mae Parks, brother Charles Anderson, sisters Patt Dobbins and Beverly Anderson, fourteen grandchildren, one great-grand son, aunts, and a host nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, church family, friends and many customers and vendors he enjoyed through the years.

Arthur Ray Anderson Services are entrusted to Martinez Funeral Home under the direction of Funeral Directors Tony Lujan & Nancy Olvera.
Visitation will be Thursday August 27,2015 from 1 Pm to 9 Pm Service will be held at
Texas & Clements Church Of Christ at 10 Am. Burial will follow at Ector County Cemetery Rose Hill section

to sign our on line guest book please go to service@martinezfuneral.com

Visitation

Martinez Funeral Home Chapel
1040 S. Dixie Blvd
Odessa, TX  79761
Thursday, August 27, 2015
1 pm / 9 pm

Service

Church

Texas Church Of Christ
1201 South Texas Avenue
Odessa, TX  79761
Friday, August 28, 2015
10 Am

Cemetery

Ector County "Peaceful Garden Section"
300 S. Dixie
Odessa, TX  79761