Byron "Buster" Anderson
Byron "Buster" Anderson, Jr. died June 6.
Mr. Anderson and David Owen founded and operated the National Association of Small Trucking Companies. Mr. Anderson was executive vice president at the time of his death. The NASTC, which was founded in 1989 and is based in Hendersonville, Tennessee, has some 13,400 members.
He is survived by sons, Byron “Gary” Anderson, III (Maranda) and Steve Anderson; stepdaughter, Danielle Daniel; grandchildren, Faith Anderson and Austin Jacobia; brother, James “Jimmy” Anderson; nieces, Emma Bradley, Tiffany Anderson, Angel Anderson, Caitlyn Bley, and Elora Nolte; nephew, Brandon Anderson; sister-in-law, Menna Anderson; and friend and business partner, David Owen, the Owen family, and his co-workers at NASTC.
Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his parents, Byron Anderson, Sr., and Jean B. Anderson; sister, Joyce Marie Anderson; brothers, Steve Anderson and Eddie Anderson.
He was a second-generation veteran as was his father Byron, Sr. who made his life a career in the U.S. Army and eventually served as the Sergeant Major of the Army. Mr. Anderson was an infantry sergeant.
Mr. Anderson loved spending time with family on the farm, fishing, watching football and taking occasional trips to the casino. Most of all, he was dedicated to his business.
In Mr. Anderson's obituary, Owen wrote:
“Words cannot possibly convey on paper the sadness, and loss as we share the news of Buster Anderson’s untimely passing. His death followed an operation that would have extended his time with us and unfortunately, his weakened heart condition failed to support his recovery.
"Buster was my friend, business partner, and confidant for 39 years dating back to 1985. We both were top producers at the Nashville based company, Comdata Network. When I decided to leave to start the NASTC company, I told my wife, “I sure do wish I could find Buster Anderson.” He had left Comdata some two years prior. Two days later, May 16, 1989, my wife answered a random telemarketing call from a man selling Carpet Cleaning Services, and his name was Buster. Bonnie recognized his voice, we got together, and NASTC was born. We recognize this as just the first of hundreds of miracles that have come our way since.
"There would be no NASTC without Buster Anderson and he is irreplaceable and will be incredibly missed.”
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home 353 E. Main Street in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Mr. Anderson's memory.
