Obituary of Carmel Brower Anderson

Carmel B. (Mel) Anderson of Bedford, VA passed away Sept 14, 2021 at Lynchburg General Hospital, after a short illness, with his loving sisters by his side. Mel was born Nov. 07, 1956, in Charlotte, NC, son of Carmel W. and Hazel Walker Anderson who preceded him in death. Mel graduated from Garinger High School, Charlotte NC and attended Central Piedmont Community College. He was an avid outdoors man and lived in Washington, Montana and Wyoming before moving back east to settle in the Smith Mountain Lake area of Virginia where for 21 years he worked in residential construction as a lead carpenter. Being something of a perfectionist where his work was concerned, he helped build beautiful homes. Mel was an Eagle Scout and always an advocate for those who could not help themselves. While he had a quick wit and contagious laugh, he was a quiet soul, kind and patient never seeking attention. He loved teaching his nephews & nieces to fish, which was his passion, always being the most excited when they caught even the smallest fish. He taught them to appreciate, respect and enjoy nature as much as he did. One of his favorite activities, from an early age, was hiking the Appalachian Trail. He hiked often with friends but also alone meeting other avid hikers along the way. He loved sharing the stories of those adventures. Mel is survived by his sisters Anita Brown, Cindy Caudle (Michael), nieces and nephews, Justin Brown(Dominika), Ashley Brown, Kate Caudle, Chris Caudle (Emily), and four great nieces and nephews, Stefan, Max, Mila and Charlotte, his long time girlfriend Debra Folk & forever best friend “Jackson”. He was also predeceased by a sister, Tina Anderson and brother-in-law Terry L Brown. Mel will be missed by all those who loved him, workmates, friends, family and an extensive array of Walker and Anderson cousins. May God wrap all of Mel’s family and friends with loving, comforting, healing arms that offer strength in this time of grief. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are encouraged to the Terry L. & Anita A Brown scholarship fund, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, ℅ Cabarrus Healthcare Foundation, 920 Church St N. Concord, NC 28025, the Bedford Co Humane Society, 829 Ole Turnpike Dr. Bedford, VA 24523, or your favorite charity that serves people in need. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.