Albert George Anderson

Albert G. Anderson of Garland Texas, known by some as the “Silver Fox,” passed away suddenly on February 27, 2022 at the age of 77. He was born October 16, 1944 to George Anderson and Alberta Brookfelt Anderson. Shortly after birth, his mother, Alberta, passed away. He was subsequently raised in Harvey, Illinois by George and Marguerite Anderson. If Al were present today, he would tell everyone that he lived a happy, fulfilled life with his greatest achievements and deepest passions being the same three lifelong “loves of his life.” 1. Jean Anderson: Al met, fell in love, and quickly married his beautiful wife, constant companion, and business partner, Jean Atwood Anderson, who he met as a “newbie” rookie sales clerk at Kinney’s Shoe Store in Chicago, Illinois. Al was definitely a smart and resourceful salesman. Jean, as a customer that day, made the decision to purchase a pair of shoes, but Al, who was immediately smitten, had his sights set on bigger plans with Jean. Al “saved” her check information and soon after, reached out to her. Al would say that pursuing Jean and subsequently marrying her was the greatest achievement and smartest decision of his life. Al took great pride that he married the love of his life and that the marriage lasted 56 wonderful years. 2. Retail Savvy Manager: Coincidence or fate, Al was promoted in his first “real job” by Kinney’s Shoe store, in Chicago, a nationwide chain at the time. He discovered his lifelong love and natural ability for running large retail chains. He loved training younger employees and successfully promoting them while “growing” the business. This love remained with him throughout his professional career. Al, like most young men of his time, tried other employment opportunities. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as an accountant for several years, then went on to Saxon’s Paint and Wallpapering, as store manager. He later served his country in the US Army from 1969 to 1971, where he was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington. Ready and eager, he returned to Illinois with a much bolder and long-term vision for the future. Al took a leap of faith and joined a large independently owned shoe chain with bold ideas of expansion throughout Chicago and the Midwest. Al’s new company quickly identified his management potential, promoting him, then transferring Al and Jean to the warmer climate of Dallas, Texas in the early 80’s. He became the Dallas General Manager supervising over 25 stores in the Dallas, Fort Worth metroplex. Seizing this opportunity, Al and Jean quickly teamed together on this exciting business opportunity and maximized the strong growth potential of the DFW area. They propelled the Midwest Chain to new heights in sales and profit. “Team Anderson” worked 6 and 7 days a week for a very long time to get the job done! Along the way, they discovered they had different skills and a joint work ethic “chemistry.” Al was the seller, trainer of people, and main motivator of the shoe troops, while Jean ran the operations smoothly and kept the growth organized. This team collaboration and their non-stop efforts were Al and Jean’s crowning “business” achievements together and it paid off for all involved. In 1996, Al joined Nordstrom’s shoe department. He participated in the Grand opening of the Galleria Flagship store in Dallas. Because of Al’s retail background, knowledge and experience, he played a significant role throughout his working career at Nordstrom’s. It was during this time, that he was known as the “silver fox”. In 2012, Al retired so he could spend more quality time with Jean. 3. Golf: The move to the warmer Dallas climate allowed Al to discover his third lifelong passion, the beautiful game of golf. On the rare occasion he had a day off, he was drawn to the golf course with bold ideas of getting better and playing in the Senior Tour. Al did get better and he did become a senior but not exactly in the order he dreamed. It was peaceful and relaxing, a great respite from the pressures of retail business. Al was always a very private person who enjoyed his own company and that is probably why he was drawn to the beautiful game of golf. For many years, Al and Jean discussed the possibility of moving to Arkansas after retirement (mostly Al). In the end, they realized their home, friends, and life were in Dallas. They remained and settled into a relaxing life of retirement, travel and plenty of golf. Al considered one of his greatest achievements to be the three Hole in Ones! He also won the trip of a life time, to play at the Pinehurst Resort Golf Course in North Carolina. Yes, Al would say, “he lived a happy, fulfilled life.” Those left to cherish Al’s memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Jean, brother-in-law Thomas Atwood, brother Robert Anderson (Donna), sister Margot Perkins, nieces Stacy Peek, Melinda Andrews, Laura Perkins, Wendy Perkins and Renee Jaynes, nephew Michael Anderson and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Albert George Anderson

October 16, 1944 - February 27, 2022