Alexander Thomas Anderson passed away quietly at home on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. He was born on December 11, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA, one of six children of Swedish immigrants Bertha Carlson and Thomas Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janis Smith Anderson, his daughter Ruth Goodwin (Scott) of Raleigh (grandchildren Paige and Alexander Goodwin), and his son Todd Anderson (Shelley) of Richmond (grandchildren Kerri Anderson, Matt Tebbens and Jordan Tebbens). He is also survived by sisters Faith Heinz (Peter), Astrid Anderson, Bertha Churchill (Ken), and Alice Ryan. In addition, he is survived by extended family Kathrine Woody (Charles), Merodie Yuhr, Robert Evarts (Elizabeth), and Dudley Hendricks. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sonja A. Skarbowski, and granddaughter Katie Anderson.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Thom and his young bride moved to Raleigh where he started his career as an assistant planner for the City of Raleigh in 1961. In 1965 he began his private practice as Community Planning Associates, finally retiring in 2011. Some of the communities he helped develop include Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, Quail Hollow, Eastgate, Quail Corners Shopping Center and Lake Gaston. He was often recognized for his achievements with the NC Home Builders Association. Through his career he remained active in the local community, running on the Republican ticket for the City Council and NC State House of Representatives in the 1970s, then serving on various Governor appointed committees in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.

He was an active member of the North Raleigh Exchange Club since 1967. He was the Club president in 1980 and Vice President of the State Exchange organization in 1992. Thom was chairman of the NC Exchange Club Foundation for several years and worked during that time to establish child prevention centers across the state. He served on the board of Safe Child of Raleigh. Thom was also involved in getting the City Council to approve Millbrook Exchange Park. The first ever Raleigh Boat Show was held at North Hills Mall and Thom assisted the Exchange Club in directing that project for over 10 years during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. He worked at the North Raleigh Exchange Club booth during the State Fair for over 40 years, becoming well known for hawking their famous salted-in-the-shell peanuts to anyone and everyone! At his death he was Chairman on the North Raleigh Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Committee, a former two-time recipient. Visitation at Renaissance Funeral Home on Six Forks Road in Raleigh from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, May 24, with his service and internment held at St Michael’s Episcopal Church on Canterbury Road in Raleigh at 2pm on Wednesday, May 25.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the NC Exchange Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse. c/o North Raleigh Exchange Club, PO Box 448, Wake Forest, NC 27588.