Chad Bentley Anderson

Chad Bentley Anderson was born on August 30, 2000, to blessed parents Tyson and Christy Anderson. Chad has two brothers, Brant and Cade. He is survived by his great-grandfather, Lloyd Schmidt, grandparents, Ken and Linnea Anderson, Suzanne Wilson, and Paddie Lord, as well as aunts Patricia Jones (uncle Cody Guyton, cousin Noah Jones) Jessica Rossi, and Cathy Bonilla (uncle Billy, cousins Abby and Ashley), uncle Corey Anderson, and his God-mother Jenniffer Jones. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Larry Lord and great-grandmother, Vollie Schmidt.

Though Chad’s life was entirely too short, he lived it full, big, and loud. Because of that, he impacted more people in his 19 years here on Earth than many impact in 100 years. He had a smile that lit up the room and welcomed all his family and his countless friends, and anyone who came into contact with him. Chad’s love for his family is immense, and the bond with his brothers defies death. A better, more loyal friend, cannot be found by anyone who called Chad their friend. Chad’s light shined so bright, he never came home without a new friend or a story to tell. And those stories were told loud, animated, detailed, and with his big smile. Chad’s life was lived at his pace. Those that know him best know that he had little regard for being on time or time limits. But, whatever frustration was felt while waiting on him to show up melted away once he came in bearing that smile and telling stories, and his ready to go attitude.

Chad made such an effort to connect with people, love people, listen and talk, and be present. Chad’s love for life made him the center of any room, his hugs made you feel encompassed in his love, his laugh made your soul happy, his smile made you feel special, and his friendship made you grateful. Though he was always rightfully the life of any party, his life was grounded deep in faith. He was introspective, deeply compassionate and kind, questioning and curious, hard working, and full of so many plans and goals for the future, including enlisting in the Marines this coming July.

Chad passed away on May 22, 2020. Chad was so big in life that his absence is a void too large to fill. The best way to honor Chad’s life is to live like he did. Love big. Live loud. Laugh hard. Hug tight. Push yourself. Live life at your pace. Listen to your music loud. Sing even louder even if you don’t know the words. Drive with your windows down. Care a little bit less about “stuff.”  Love your family. Be loyal to your friends. Don’t break the bond with your brothers. Don’t back down and never be afraid.

The Hill will be receiving the benefits of the Chad B Anderson Memorial Fund, set up at the local First American Bank and Trust Company in Athens and Watkinsville Georgia. You may mail contributions directly to First American Bank and Trust Company, 1681 Experiment Station Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677. The check should be made out to Chad B Anderson Memorial Fund.
The Hill is a ministry founded with the express purpose of leading others into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through biblical teaching and discipleship. The primary focus is on high school and college aged students and teaching them to navigate challenges with Christ as their life.
Chad spent many summers at The Hill and the love for Christ that he felt, and the man he was becoming, was largely influenced by his time there.
In loving memory of our Chad.