Dr. Russell Anderson (1931-2023) Now In Heaven

by David J. Stewart | April 2023

Psalms 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

On Tuesday night, April 18th, 2023, Dr. Russell Anderson went to be with Jesus in Heaven. He was born at home with the aid of a country doctor on May 16, 1931 in east Kentucky. Russell grew up very poor, working in the coal mines. He learned at any early age that hard work and being generous to the Lord's work were keys to success. Only Heaven truly knows the greatness of this dear saint of God. You can freely read all about this great man in his authorized biography titled: “From The Coal Mines To The Gold Mines.”

Russell T. Anderson Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Russell T. Anderson (Milan, Michigan), who passed away on April 18, 2023, at the age of 91, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4th 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Friday, May 5th 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Metro Baptist Church (94 Service Dr, Romulus, MI 48111). A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 5th 2023 at 11:00 AM at the same location.

SOURCE: Dr. Russell T. Anderson

Hyles-Anderson College posted the following statement:

We are saddened to announce the passing of our co-founder, Dr. Russell Anderson. He went to Heaven with his family by his side last evening at 7:34 p.m. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Jack Hyles were the best of friends and worked together to start Hyles-Anderson College in 1972. Dr. Anderson was a regular source of encouragement and support for Hyles-Anderson College.

Russell Anderson’s passion for souls was contagious. His dedication to training the next generation was evident. His generosity and true spirit of giving was unmatched. Dr. Anderson was a friend who will be greatly missed on this earth, but who was undoubtedly welcomed with a hero’s welcome at the doorway to Heaven.

Thank you, Dr. Anderson, for your love for Jesus, your friendship for decades, and your eternal investment in Hyles-Anderson College.

Please keep his family in your prayers at this time.

Anderson was hardcore IFB until the end. Part preacher, part businessman, he devoted his time, energy, and money to advancing the IFB cause.

Several readers have asked me to opine on Anderson. I really don’t know much about the man other than he was the money behind Hyles-Anderson College and several other IFB college institutions. That said, I did have one memorable interaction with him one Sunday in 1971 at Trinity Baptist Church in Findlay, Ohio.

In his biography, “From The Coal Mines To The Gold Mines,” we read this precious story:

During the early years of his work in the business world, Russell Anderson went to his friend, Brother Hyles, for some advice. “I’d like to get out of the business world,” he said. “What can I do to make my life count more for God?” Dr. Anderson was winning 15 to 20 souls a week and was thinking of going to serve the Lord full time.

Brother Hyles responded, “America needs soul-winning businessmen; stay where you are.” This would prove to be a profitable decision, not only financially, but also spiritually. In 1999, Dr. Russell Anderson retired; well, at least, he called it retirement. He closed his business, keeping only one employee—a full-time bookkeeper and bill payer. Dr. Anderson also went to the Lord and prayed,

Dear Lord,

Show me what keeps You from using me.

At still another time he prayed,

Holy Spirit, how about taking a message for me? Tell God the Father “Thank You” for 28 years of salvation. I should be in Hell. Tell the Father what I’ve done with His money. As Nehemiah in the Bible did, ask Him to remember me and my good deeds.

SOURCE: “From The Coal Mines To The Gold Mines,” page 84 (see the awesome photo)

Dr. Anderson once said that he earned $100 million dollars and gave $50 million to the Lord's work. That was several years ago. Any good businessman will tell you that time is money and money is time. Only God knows how much more Dr. Anderson gave of his time (as I do too) to serve Christ! I have over 50,000 hours of time invested into my website ministry since 2002. To God alone be ALL the praise and credit. Pastor Hyles once said that the most important job is the one that doesn't get done. That is absolutely right!

Here is the honorary comment that I put on the condolences page of Dr. Anderson's obituary...

“I am a thankful graduate of Hyles-Anderson College. I enrolled in 1985 and graduated in 1993. I thank God for Dr. Russell Anderson, whom Pastor Jack Hyles often called: "The brother I never had." Interestingly, I am now 56 years old, which was Dr. Anderson's age in 1988. Dr. Anderson is one of my heroes, now shining as the brightness of the stars in Heaven, for having done so much financially to help churches, ministries and missionaries turn many to righteousness (Daniel 12:3).”

Dr. Russell Anderson is a true unsung hero, who sadly didn't get the honor and recognition that he deserved, especially from the First Baptist Church of Hammond and the Hyles-Anderson College family. Dr. Anderson went to his grave brokenhearted that the FBCH and HAC changed their long-standing position on the King James Bible since 2008, denying the inspiration of the Holy Bible today. In 2015 Dr. Anderson even requested to have his name removed from Hyles-Anderson College (backup letter).

I thank God that Pastor Jack Hyles and Dr. Russell Anderson taught me faithfully that the King James Bible is 100% verbally (word for word) and plenary (the whole canon) inspired! You can hear Brother Hyles preach on just how important he thought preserved Bible inspiration is, in this timeless 1994 sermon titled: “THE BATTLE OF THE AGES.” I am one of Dr. Hyles preacher boys, and I still believe that the King James Bible is inspired. Jesus is precious!!!

“Every word in this Bible is inspired by God almighty!” —Dr. Jack Hyles (a great quote from the classic sermon, “A Friend At Midnight”)

“The only inspired Words of God are in the King James Bible!” —Dr. Jack Hyles (an awesome quote from the needful sermon: “THE REAL BATTLE!”)

END OF ARTICLE

“Faith is the only righteous thing that I can do!”
—Pastor Jack Hyles, a quote from the MP3 sermon titled: “God's Reversal Of Psalm 51”

1st Corinthians 16:24, “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

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