Jack “Pop” Anderson
Perhaps our biggest fan ever; we cannot forget his dedicated and unselfish contributions to Tanner Mountain. Everyone knows him as “Pop” in the band and most of the fan base as well. Either behind the scenes, or up on stage singing “Tear In My Beer”, Pop has been there for us. From hauling our equipment, setting up that equipment, and putting that same equipment away, I can’t remember Pop ever missing a show. And, he has never asked for anything in return. He has “bought a lot of rounds” for the band and is the first one to congratulate us after our shows. Our biggest supporter and most beloved fan! And now, a little bit about “Pop” Anderson:
On September 15th, 1930, Thomas Jackson Anderson Jr. was born in Shawsville Md. to Thomas J. Sr. and Beulah N. Anderson. He is the oldest of three boys and grew up on the family farm where they raised crops and a few animals. It was a very hard life growing up and working a family farm and Pop’s memories of that life was that he couldn’t wait to graduate school and leave the farm life. The person he most admired was his father, Thomas J. Anderson Sr., but his dream, like most kids, was to play professional baseball and be like Gil Hodges of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The first job he had was working on another farm. And later, he worked for Charles Grimmel Farm & Supply. Then, he learned to drive a truck for O.K. McCleary. As the 1950”s arrived, so did the Korean War and in November 1951, Pop and his best friend, George Grimmel, were drafted in the USMC. He did his basic training on the east coast at Paris Island, SC. and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, 1st Engineer’s. His first job was to haul equipment and supplies on a “low boy” (because of his truck driving background) to the front lines where the Abel, Baker, Charlie, and Delta companies were. His most vivid memory of the war was taking fire, while driving those supplies to the front, but he viewed it as “my job to do”. Then he was assigned to drive a “wrecker” to support the infantry where again, he took fire, from the enemy. He mostly admired his “8 yr.” Master Sergeant Solomon, whom he chauffeured to headquarters, near Seoul, and would sneak him into the NCO “slop shoots” (Non Commissioned Officer’s bar) on many occasions. Pop left the war in November, 1953.
Perhaps our biggest fan ever; we cannot forget his dedicated and unselfish contributions to Tanner Mountain. Everyone knows him as “Pop” in the band and most of the fan base as well. Either behind the scenes, or up on stage singing “Tear In My Beer”, Pop has been there for us. From hauling our equipment, setting up that equipment, and putting that same equipment away, I can’t remember Pop ever missing a show. And, he has never asked for anything in return. He has “bought a lot of rounds” for the band and is the first one to congratulate us after our shows. Our biggest supporter and most beloved fan! And now, a little bit about “Pop” Anderson:
On September 15th, 1930, Thomas Jackson Anderson Jr. was born in Shawsville Md. to Thomas J. Sr. and Beulah N. Anderson. He is the oldest of three boys and grew up on the family farm where they raised crops and a few animals. It was a very hard life growing up and working a family farm and Pop’s memories of that life was that he couldn’t wait to graduate school and leave the farm life. The person he most admired was his father, Thomas J. Anderson Sr., but his dream, like most kids, was to play professional baseball and be like Gil Hodges of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The first job he had was working on another farm. And later, he worked for Charles Grimmel Farm & Supply. Then, he learned to drive a truck for O.K. McCleary. As the 1950”s arrived, so did the Korean War and in November 1951, Pop and his best friend, George Grimmel, were drafted in the USMC. He did his basic training on the east coast at Paris Island, SC. and was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, 1st Engineer’s. His first job was to haul equipment and supplies on a “low boy” (because of his truck driving background) to the front lines where the Abel, Baker, Charlie, and Delta companies were. His most vivid memory of the war was taking fire, while driving those supplies to the front, but he viewed it as “my job to do”. Then he was assigned to drive a “wrecker” to support the infantry where again, he took fire, from the enemy. He mostly admired his “8 yr.” Master Sergeant Solomon, whom he chauffeured to headquarters, near Seoul, and would sneak him into the NCO “slop shoots” (Non Commissioned Officer’s bar) on many occasions. Pop left the war in November, 1953.
He celebrated coming home from the war by socializing with his friends at the Stewartstown VFW where he still frequents today. Some of you might know that Pop is a huge baseball fan and played in the Susquehanna Twilight League (1949-1950) and then the Susquehanna League (1954-1975). He was a catcher mostly throughout his career and the last game he caught was against York Twp. in 1975. The player he admired the most was a pitcher and teammate named Lynwood “Tink” Mays, whom Pop caught a lot in the day. Pop’s occupation was, you guessed it, a truck driver/heavy equipment operator, for J. E. Baker Company from July 1955 – September 1995 where he hauled a lot of limestone. His favorite co worker was his supervisor, Bob Krout, whom he had a great amount of respect for.
Pop’s hobbies include sports. He was a huge fan of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. He would go to Dover, De., and Talladega, Ala. to see “the man in black” race and win. He especially loved the “Baltimore Colts” and made many games at “Memorial Stadium” to watch his hero Johnny Unitas play. Pop would get to meet and have several conversations with “Johnny U”. His favorite baseball team is still today the Baltimore Orioles and his all time favorite Oriole is Brooks Robinson. Pop’s musical career started with a saxophone he had when he was a kid. It didn’t last long as he traded it in on a baseball glove he wanted. His mother was furious at him and he still remembers her yelling at him for doing it, but he figured, “it was worth it”.
Pop’s musical likes are Bluegrass, Country, and of course, Tanner Mountain Band! His favorite memory of TMB is the band opening for Blackhawk, Tracy Byrd, and The Bellamy Brothers. He has enjoyed all of the members in TMB, past and present, and would like to convey to you “Come on out and see Tanner Mountain, and you wont be disappointed!”
Much sadness has occurred to TMB over the fall of 2019. On September 27th, Pop suffered a stroke, which hospitalized him and after the many rehabilitation efforts from Wellspan Rehab Facility, York, Pa., and Colonial Manor of York, Pa., Pop succumbed, on Nov. 17th, to the effects of Dementia as enhanced by the stroke he suffered. The outpouring of friends, family, and acquaintances, has been phenomenal. We would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers, condolences, and support through this difficult time. The 'Celebration of Life" that was had after Pop's passing was one which I feel sure he would have enjoyed. I can hear him telling me..."Hey that's great, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!" He'll be truly missed by this band and his fans, but I can guarantee you he would want us to continue on doing what we love doing...and we will. Forever in our hearts, we love you Pop!
Pop’s hobbies include sports. He was a huge fan of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. He would go to Dover, De., and Talladega, Ala. to see “the man in black” race and win. He especially loved the “Baltimore Colts” and made many games at “Memorial Stadium” to watch his hero Johnny Unitas play. Pop would get to meet and have several conversations with “Johnny U”. His favorite baseball team is still today the Baltimore Orioles and his all time favorite Oriole is Brooks Robinson. Pop’s musical career started with a saxophone he had when he was a kid. It didn’t last long as he traded it in on a baseball glove he wanted. His mother was furious at him and he still remembers her yelling at him for doing it, but he figured, “it was worth it”.
Pop’s musical likes are Bluegrass, Country, and of course, Tanner Mountain Band! His favorite memory of TMB is the band opening for Blackhawk, Tracy Byrd, and The Bellamy Brothers. He has enjoyed all of the members in TMB, past and present, and would like to convey to you “Come on out and see Tanner Mountain, and you wont be disappointed!”
Much sadness has occurred to TMB over the fall of 2019. On September 27th, Pop suffered a stroke, which hospitalized him and after the many rehabilitation efforts from Wellspan Rehab Facility, York, Pa., and Colonial Manor of York, Pa., Pop succumbed, on Nov. 17th, to the effects of Dementia as enhanced by the stroke he suffered. The outpouring of friends, family, and acquaintances, has been phenomenal. We would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers, condolences, and support through this difficult time. The 'Celebration of Life" that was had after Pop's passing was one which I feel sure he would have enjoyed. I can hear him telling me..."Hey that's great, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!" He'll be truly missed by this band and his fans, but I can guarantee you he would want us to continue on doing what we love doing...and we will. Forever in our hearts, we love you Pop!
Some of Pop's pics:
Blackhawk day has arrived!!!
Pop's Favorites
And...