Dr. Garry Elwood Anderson

Dr. Garry Elwood Anderson - affectionately known by his family as “Papa Doc,” went home to be with his Heavenly Father on October 23, 2016, surrounded by people who loved him greatly. Garry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who always thought of others and looked for opportunities to serve and bless them. Garry was born on May 23, 1954, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the son of the late Ferdinand and Grace (Timer) Anderson. He attended Malone University where he met and proposed to his wife Donna (Willis) Anderson. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1976, Garry attended Youngstown State University where he earned his Master of Science in 1981. He then moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Oral Roberts University School of Dentistry in 1985. Garry practiced dentistry for 31 years, successfully operating his own family dental practice for 27 years, and was dedicated to continually learning new skills and honing his craft in order to better serve his loyal patients and his dedicated staff. His unwavering commitment to “doing things the right way” served as his personal standard in both his professional and personal life. Garry volunteered at Neighbor for Neighbor for several years - with daughters Becka and Lisa working alongside as his dental assistants - and provided free dental services to the impoverished. In 2001, Garry was recognized for his excellence in volunteerism and was awarded the honor of Tulsa Volunteer of The Year. Garry also served on the Board of Directors of Malone University for 6 years. When he wasn’t helping one of his children with any number of their passions and projects, Garry loved serving and volunteering in several different capacities at the Bixby Campus of Life Church. Garry was known for his tireless work ethic and constant self-improvement through reading, audio teaching messages and his own personal and ongoing study of the Bible. He often shared his love of books (giving away copies of his current favorite book) and scriptural insights with family and friends. In his free time, Garry enjoyed spending time and traveling with his family, snoozing at the beach, reading, creating, landscaping, test-driving and dreaming of cars. He is survived and celebrated by his wife Donna, daughters Rachel, Rebekah, Elisabeth (Lisa) and Bethany Lane (Laney), his sons-in-law Aaron Brewer, Joshua Andersen, Christian Ensor and Riley Staires, his granddaughters Nora and Lola, and his grandsons Liam, Judah, Brooklyn and Sullivan. Garry’s brothers are David and Larry Anderson of Youngstown, Ohio, and Scott Anderson of Tampa, Florida. Visitation services will be Friday, October 28th, from 6-8 p.m, at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. at the Bixby Campus of Life Church. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500

Dr. Garry Elwood Anderson

May 23, 1954 - October 23, 2016