John “Johnny” Einar Anderson, Jr., 78, of Hilliard, FL, passed away peacefully in Baptist Hospice Hospital on January 4, 2026. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on May 2, 1947, to parents Blanche Knight Anderson and John Einar Anderson, Sr. He was predeceased by his older sister Imogene “Emma” Anderson Jolly and his nephew William “Bill” Jolly. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cindy Moore Anderson. Johnny and Cindy met and bonded over their mutual love of horses, dogs, guns, motorcycling, and the occasional three-mile-out cruise ship gambling adventure.

Johnny attended Andrew Jackson High School and graduated from the Jacksonville School of Technology. He was in the US Navy Reserve program and then joined the active-duty Navy, where he served honorably for three years. He retired from the Duval County Heavy Equipment pool following 30 years of service.

Johnny had a passion for dogs, all things guns (including buying and selling), attending gun shows, hanging out at the gun club where he spent countless hours shooting and socializing, sharing a good drink of Bourbon with his friends and family, and he loved to dance – right up to his final days. He was a member of American Legion Post 401, Gateway Rifle and Pistol Club, and Jacksonville Target Sports Club.

The family wishes to thank the many gun club friends who have stepped in to help during this trying time – especially Mike Greene who has worked tirelessly as our “boots on the ground” problem solver.

Survivors include his older sister Sandra “Sandy” Anderson Fulop, nephews Robert “Bob” Jolly (Pam) & Michael Shuler, nieces Sandra “Sandy” Jolly Payne, Lisa M. Hunt & Dana Fulop Hall, great-nephews Chris Jolly, Tyler Payne (Alexis), Shane Hunt & Dakota “Cody” Hall, great-nieces Trisha Gershbein & Shelby Hall Koelemij, great-great-nephews Hudson Payne, Gunner Payne, Jagger Gershbein & Jacob Koelemij, and great-great-nieces Piper Gershbein & Payton Koelemij.

A service will be conducted Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 12:30pm at Jacksonville National Military Cemetery.