David Barker Anderson

David Barker Anderson, 81, a long-time resident of Lakeland, FL and Asheville, NC, passed away on Tuesday October 1, 2019 in Venice, FL. He was born July 26, 1938 in Guilford County, North Carolina to the late Rufus King and Hattie Smith Anderson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers; John Robert Anderson and James Clifford Anderson and his sisters; Helen Anderson Raper and Rose Anderson Byrd. A Celebration of Life will be held in Lakeland, FL in January. David earned his BS in Chemistry at Western Carolina College (Western Carolina University) in Sylva, NC. While there he was active in the Methodist choir, college chorus, his fraternity, and student government. In 1958 he met his future wife, Rebecca Newsome and they were married at Sandy Ridge Methodist Church on January 1, 1960. David had a distinguished career in specialty chemicals particularly as used to upgrade ore mined for fertilizer in Florida and North Carolina. No one in the industry made a greater contribution to the upgrading of phosphate ore by a process known as flotation. He initially worked for ICI and ValChem before joining Westvaco in 1968. He soon found an opportunity as part owner of Custom Chemicals in Mulberry, FL. Dave's ability to formulate anti-foam and flotation products contributed to the growth of the company and in 1974 Westvaco purchased Custom Chemicals. In 1975 David relocated to Charleston, SC to eventually become Chemical Division Manager. Dave left Westvaco in 2001 and later joined Nottingham Company in Atlanta, where he ran the entire company. After Nottingham was sold, Dave spent the remainder of his career back where he began at ArrMaz Custom Chemicals in Mulberry, Florida. David loved the challenges of his career, but still made time for family. He never forgot his roots and was a frequent visitor to Sandy Ridge, NC to spend time with his parents, siblings and many nieces and nephews. He supported his children and grandchildren in their endeavors, passed along his skills as a golfer and shared with them his belief in the value of honesty, hard work and always doing your best. David is survived by his two children: Susan Anderson Swenson (Andy) of Clearwater FL and Mark David Anderson (Debbie) of Northport, FL; his four grandchildren: Jason Edward Swenson (Katie) of Naples, FL, Jennifer Swenson Swearingen (Ben) of Lakeland, Fl, Mark David Anderson II of Tampa, FL, Madison Lynn Anderson of Englewood, FL; four great-grandchildren: Madison, Theodore, Easton and Nathaniel; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local hospice organization or the Alzhermer's Association. Online condolences or memories may be shared by visiting www.englewoodfh.com