Cromwell Adair Anderson Jr.

Cromwell Adair Anderson II
February 26, 1926 – April 30, 2021

Cromwell Adair Anderson, 95, born in Palatka, Florida to Cromwell Adair Anderson and Antoinette Richardson Anderson, passed peacefully at home in his sleep on April 30, 2021. After spending his formative years in Waycross, Georgia, Cromwell served in the U.S. Navy, and then graduated from the University of Rochester in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to the University of Florida, was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha, and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. As was his father, Cromwell was a forever-proud Florida Gator.

Following his graduation from the University of Florida, Cromwell served as a Special Agent with the U. S. Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1951 – 1954. He then joined the law firm of Smathers and Thompson, specializing in maritime law, where he was managing director for 20 years. He continued his distinguished law career as partner at Fowler White Burnett, until his retirement.

Cromwell was a member of the American Bar Association and served as chairman of the maritime insurance law committee from 1974 – 1975, and director of the Dade County Bar Association from 1982 – 1984. He also served on the executive committee of the Maritime Law Association from 1979 – 1982.

As an avid sportsman, Cromwell enjoyed a lifetime of fishing and hunting. His sons’ fondest memories are of the times fishing and hunting with their dad. Cromwell and his wife, Shirley Anderson, spent many happy years hunting game at the Gilchrist Club in Trenton, Florida and backcountry fishing in the Florida Keys.

Cromwell served as president of the Miami Beach Rod and Reel Club from 1976 – 1979. He was a member of the Beach Colony Club, Cat Cay Club, University Club, Miami Club, and long time member of Riviera Country Club. He was a board member and founder of Children’s Resources and Education Center, an organization dedicated to serving children with developmental disabilities.

Cromwell was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Anderson Uhler and his parents; his wives Betty Ann Myers Anderson and Mary Alice Morgan Anderson; his grandson, Preston Anderson and daughter in-law Tawny Anderson. He is survived by his endearing wife, Shirley Marston Anderson; his three sons, Cromwell Adair Anderson III, Bruce Myers Anderson, and William Preston Anderson; daughters in-law Audree Barrow, Linda Freeland, Ela Anderson, and Nancy Anderson; stepdaughters Leslie Marston Babiak (Andrew) and Terrie Marston Pellitteri (Vito); grandchildren Matthew Anderson, Alexandra Freeman, Brandon Anderson, Nicholas Anderson, Sarah Anderson, and Kerrie Anderson. His blended family included grandchildren Paisley Yemofio, Vito Pellitteri (Brittany), Felicia Pellitteri, Nichole Hersey (Blake) and 13 great grandchildren.

Crom was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
   

Due to Covid, a celebration of Cromwell’s life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cromwell Anderson’s memory can be made to Children’s Resources and Education Center, a nonprofit organization at 8571 S.W. 112 Street, Miami, Florida 33156.