William Donald Anderson Sr., 90, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at White Oak Manor in Tryon. He formerly lived on his beloved Brookwood Golf Course in Arden.

A native of Andrews, he was son of the late John Harve and Stella Everett Anderson. He was preceded in death by six sisters, Joyce Lunsford, Winnie Painter, Alene Hughes, Rosa Barton, Myrtle and Azalea Anderson; and five brothers, Grady, Gwinn, Glen, Lester and Everette.

Donald was a proud World War II veteran, whose brother Grady had to sign for him to enlist at age 17. He was a member of the 79th Infantry Division, also known as the Cross of Lorraine Division. His mortar team landed on D-Day at Omaha Beach and campaigned through northern France and Belgium.

At one point, his company was overrun by Germans, and he was listed as killed in action. Most of his company did not survive. After his military duty, he served for 10 years with the N.C. Highway Patrol and 16 years with the N.C. Department of Corrections as superintendent at Craggy Institute in Yancey County.

Donald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen Fancher Anderson; a son, William Donald Anderson, Jr. and his wife, Joyce. He is also survived by a grandson, Michael Andrew Anderson; stepgranddaughter, Lori Black; and stepgrandson, Jason Black. Donald enjoyed sharing with his time with his great-grandchildren, Emily, Tate and Clara. Also very special to him was his niece, Gail Anderson, and nephew, Willis Anderson.

Military rites were conducted by the Buncombe County Veteran's Memorial Team and N.C. National Guard at noon Friday, Nov. 30, in the chapel of Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with the Rev. Richard Merck officiating.

The family received friends following the service at the chapel.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family, and the online memorial register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.