June 18, 2026, 90, Smithfield, VA – Wilbur “Andy” Anderson passed away in Smithfield, Virginia on June 18, 2026. He was 90 years young.
Andy was born in Tarboro, North Carolina to Arrington Anderson and Goldie Stokes Anderson. He graduated from NC State University in May of 1957 with a degree in Geological Engineering. While waiting for his USAF start date, he traveled to Nelson, BC, Canada to work as a Geological Engineer in the mineral mines. He met Martha Dawn’s father, Bill Peck (The Chief Inspector of Mines), and Bill introduced Andy to Dawn and they got married 5 years later. Andy entered the US Air Force where he had a 26-year career as an F-4 and B-52 Command Pilot with over 8000 hours and over 233 combat mission over North Vietnam, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for assisting in the downing 2 MiGs.
Andy founded several flying and soaring clubs in the US, Europe, and Asia. He was a civilian pilot, instrument instructor, and held a commercial rating in single and multi-engine airplanes, sailplanes, and the T-39 Saberliner passenger aircraft. On retiring from the Air Force in 1984, Andy was the founder and CEO of Dawn Air, Inc., a scheduled airline flying out of Manteo, NC providing service to Norfolk VA and other areas along the Atlantic coast.
In 1986, Andy founded the Wayne Wilson Hwy 117 Association and raised over $50,000 for the feasibility study. He worked tirelessly to get Hwy 117 back on the Federal Highway list and saw his dream realized 20-years later with the opening of I-795 from Goldsboro to Wilson. Andy also founded a non-profit corporation to construct a 12-inch water pipeline to the Goldsboro-Wayne County Airport needed for industrial development.
In November 1992, Andy became the first Republican County Commissioner elected to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners since the reconstruction in the 1800’s. He held that commission for 19-years. Andy also served on the Wayne County Health Board, Social Services Board, Airport Authority, Appointment Committee, and the North Carolina Eastern Regional Development Board.
Seeing a need for a Veterans Cemetery in Eastern NC, he purchased 11-acres of land in Elroy, NC and donated it to the NC State Veterans Department. The State and Washington DC Veterans Department approved the project and the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery was opened shortly thereafter.
Andy loved his family and life to the fullest while staying down to earth – a good ole country boy at heart. He would happily start up an engaging conversation with you to discuss interesting and impactful topics. He always saw the good in everyone and strived to make his community and world a better place for all.
Andy is preceeded in death by his wife of 60 years, Martha Dawn Anderson (Peck); his sister, Carol Anderson Redding; and his brother, Don Miller Anderson.
He is survived by his three sons, Douglas Arrington Anderson, John Michael Anderson, and Paul Wilbur Anderson; and his brother, Col. (Ret) Calvin Curtis Anderson.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Saulston Community Church. A service to honor Andy’s life will be held in the sanctuary at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Sevent officiating. Interment will conclude at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
The family is in the care of Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
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