Richard (Dick) Dennis Anderson

In loving memory of a life well-lived and deeply cherished.

Obituary

Richard (Dick) Dennis Anderson, 87, of Chamblee, Georgia passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, surrounded by family.  A devoted husband and father, Dick helped raise four daughters and built a beautiful family with his wife Mary.  One of his favorite roles was that of Grandfather and loved hearing his grandchildren calling him "Paw Paw".  He was known for his generous hospitality, he was the life of every gathering, remembered for his big bear hugs, joyous laughter, and captivating story telling.
Dick was born on February 25, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois.  He was raised mostly in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he graduated from high school in 1957.  He studied Mechanical Engineering in college at The University of Illinois.  Dick also proudly served in the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Department from 1961 to 1964, as a multilingual translator, playing a key role during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  He was among only a few in the military who were highly proficient in both Spanish and Russian. Due to his natural aptitude to learn languages, he also learned a lot of the Japanese language when he was stationed in Japan as a young man and Chinese when he had business endeavors in China during his later middle-aged years.

Dick married his wife Mary Louise (Ellis) Anderson in 1968 and they resided in Elgin, Illinois until they decided to relocate his business to Chamblee, Georgia in 1974. Dick owned and led Carrera Shocks for more than 32 years, which was the leading manufacturer of Racing Shocks in the U.S.A. He was a pioneer of suspension and clearly ahead of his time in his designs.   In addition, he was also a trailblazer, where he founded the Oval Track Trade show in 1978 and Oval Track Dealer News Magazine Publication in 1979.  He was one of the first to start a trade show in the racing industry.  He provided an arena for all types of racers to collaborate and for him to personally receive feedback from his customers, which influenced his future designs and strengthened connections with customers.  His intelligence, high standards, and hands-on approach earned him lasting respect and deep relationships throughout the racing community.  Due to the significant impact he made in his field, Dick was later honored to be inducted into The Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in 2014.

Dick had a wide range of personal pursuits over his lifetime. He embraced adventure, competing in the 4th of July Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and winning first in his class at the legendary 7-day, 1800-mile Carrera Panamericana -Mexican Road Race.  He had a lifetime love of learning and reading.  His passions also included collecting garden trains, hot sauces, and antique cars.  He enjoyed traveling and his exciting journeys brought him all throughout the United States and many countries including Mexico, Japan, France, England, New Zealand, and Russia.  Dick was a true patriot who had a deep sense of love for and devotion to our Country.  In later years, for nearly a decade, he served in several organizations and even ran for State Senate in our home state of Georgia. 

Dick is preceded in Death by his parents, Theresa and Howard Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anderson; his brother Bruce Anderson; his children, Marie (Alan) Lundquist, Theresa Anderson, Sarita (Dan) Jakubowski, Laura (Chris) Fletcher; and his grandchildren; Lily and Camille Fletcher, Daniel and Nathan Jakubowski, and Philip Messina, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Please join us for his Celebration of Life Service on April 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Chamblee First United Methodist Church, 4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA  30341

Reception immediately following at Dick and Mary's home:  1893 Gainsborough Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341

Local Florist Recommendation
www.flowercraftatlanta.com
FlowerCraft, Inc.
770-458-7937

Donations in honor of Dick:
https://v2.givesendgo.com/in-honor-of-richard-dick-anderson

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Richard (Dick) Anderson

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