Bennie Ray Anderson

God saw that the road was getting rough, the hills was hard to climb. He gently closed those loving eyes, and whispered, "Peace Be Thine" The weary hours, the days of pain, the sleepless nights are past, the ever patient worn out frame has found sweet rest at last.

A Celebration of Life for Bennie Ray "Big Ben" Anderson of Simmesport will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Simmesport with Rev. Henry Wright officiating. Burial will be at the Greater New Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Simmesport. Visitation will begin at 9:00am until 11:00am on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Simmesport.

Bennie Ray Anderson, age 66, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Bayou Chateau Nursing Home in Simmesport. He was born on April 10, 1959, to the late Lee Anderson, Sr. and Virgie Silas Anderson. Bennie was baptized at an early age at New Bethel Baptist Church in Simmesport. He attended Paul High School, in Simmesport. Bennie was the sole surviving individual of his generation, he is now at peace, reunited with his siblings who passed before him.

Bennie was a strong, hardworking man who grew up in a time when learning from your father was not only expected-it was honored. From a young age, he worked alongside his father, learning how to repair vehicles and work on the farm. He began his career at Ted Moreau's Automotive & Tire Center and also worked with Glenn Dauzat's chip truck business.

Bennie leased his gas and tire repair station from James and Thelma Dupar. He Spent many years in erosion control with WJ Speakman Company and Stanley and .B Bor-delon, planting grass and working on hot asphalt during the construction of Hwy 49. His work took him across Louisiana and as far as Texas. Later, Bennie moved his automotive business to his home, where he retired after many years of service. He proudly shared his skills with younger family members and friends. He was kind hearted in which he was a friend to many.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Bennie Dixon (Jasmine Alexander; grandchildren: Madison Dixon, Andrea Dixon, and Zadan Alexander; step-children Keyona Lewis Brown (Gregory Brown), Travis Nelson, Asha Nelson, Tamerra Nelson, Lesley Theriot; 12 step-grandchildren: Laterricka Prevot, Orlando Waston, Tiara Stephens, JaYanna Brown, Kiasha Nelson, Kiotti Nelson, Jordan Joshua, Jaxon Shaw, Jalen Brown, Jaden Brown, Trinity Nelson, Tykiesha Hicks; 3 step-great-grandchildren: Cayson Brown, Imani Wimbley, Hasani Hicks; step-siblings, Wanda Brown, Joan Harris, and Kirby Lee White. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Anderson, Sr. and Vergie Silas Anderson; wife, Gilda Lewis Anderson; mother of his son, Patricia Dixon; sister, Janice Harris; brothers, Lee Anderson, Jr., Elvis Ray Anderson, and U'Don Anderson; step-mother, Vera Drummer Anderson; and step-sibling, Annette Drummer.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home (318-964-2324) 625 Main St. Simmesport, LA 71369.