Eugene "Gene" L. Anderson, 72, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023 when the Lord called him home. He was born in Columbia, SC, to the late Forrest L. and Irene H. Anderson on February 5, 1951.

He was a loving Dad and devoted Papa to his grandchildren. Papa had a lot of friends and if you saw him, he always had a cup of ice. His favorite color was green, and his favorite animal was a lion. He was awesome at checkers and phenomenal at chess. He was the best "Papa." (By: Savannah and Gracie)

Gene is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Anderson of Lexington; sisters, Trisha (Paul) of Columbia and Brenda McGee of Cayce; two grandchildren, four nieces; aunt, Allene Dabbs, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Gene served in the US Army for a couple of years before going to school to learn HVAC, which he loved. He enjoyed going to the flea market to buy and sell. He enjoyed playing pool with his friends and going on small vacations, he lived life to the fullest. Gene loved to make people laugh and would tell long stories that may or may not be true. He was a comedian at heart.

Gene wanted to let his family, extended family, and friends know he loved them. He had a big heart and would help anybody he saw in need. He will be greatly missed but will forever be in our hearts.

The funeral service for Mr. Anderson will be held at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, on Thursday, July 27, at 11:30 o'clock. A visitation will be held at Shives Funeral Home beginning at 10:30 o'clock.

The committal service will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC, at 1 o'clock.