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ROBERT LAWRENCE ANDERSON (1938 - 1995) Robert Lawrence nicknamed "Po Bob" was the last of 11 children born to Howard and Mary Boyd Anderson. Robert attended Talladega County Schools and had an 8th grade education. He quit school to work in a restaurant. He married Hazel Smith of Goodwater, Alabama and had one son, Anthony. Robert and Hazel separated. Anthony remained in Goodwater and was raised by his maternal grandparents. Anthony is now a Baptist minister. In 1959, he left Alabama to live in Youngstown, Ohio where his older brothers had settled after they left home. Robert fathered another son, Donald, while living there. Robert had a very good voice and loved to sing. He sang in several gospel groups along with his brothers, Earnest and Ben. They were known as The Anderson Brothers Gospel Trio. He lived with his oldest sister, Ella, for many years. Ella was the oldest of the 11 children and he was the youngest so there were several years between them. Ella was almost a surrogate mother to him. Robert could be hardheaded at times and he liked to let Ella know that she was his sister and not his mother. Sometimes Robert would become intoxicated and do what he liked to do most --ARGUE. He probably could have become a congressman with the debates he put forth. But most of this was done in jest. He was very fun loving and he loved to laugh. Robert worked in the steel mills until he was hurt and disabled. His ill health led to his death in 1995. Robert loved his family and all his nieces and nephews loved Po Bob. May he rest in peace eternally. Mary Anderson Tippins |