89 years of family, fun & tradition on down the line

Ranger – Shady Grove Baptist Church was the location for a celebration of one of the largest families in Cherokee County.

On Aug. 6, family members of the late John Milton Anderson Jr., affectionately remembered as “Milt,” gathered to celebrate at their 89th family reunion. The first reunion was started by Milton and his siblings in 1934.

Under rainy skies and through a soaked parking lot,  family members could be heard laughing and sharing stories of the good old days. And as with any Southern party, there was plenty of food.

“I remember coming as a small child, and we’d fill the church house. Just a lot of good ol’ days and timey ways. Everything was handmade, and we were blessed with really good cooks,” said Tim Lominac of Peachtree. Murphy’s police chief is a great-grandchild of Milton’s.

Music was also a big part of family gatherings, as they enjoy bluegrass, according to Danielle McKinney, one of Milton’s great-great granddaughters.

“I don’t think people do this anymore. This is awesome, and we can’t loose it,” she said with a huge smile and gleam in her eyes. “It’s your family and your roots, ya gotta keep it going.”

Milton and his wife had 17 children, of which 14 survived. From those children came 57 grandkids, continuing to grow down the line. At one time, Milton was a farmer, sheriff’s deputy and Murphy council member.

The family member who traveled the furthest to get to the reunion was Randy Picklesimer, who received a gift for his efforts, which is another family tradition. Picklesimer lives near Greensboro.

Cody McKinney works with the Cherokee Indian Police Department as a sergeant detective with the Major Crimes Unit. He’s one of Milton’s great grandchildren.

“As far as tradition, it’s one of the best things,” he said of the annual family reunion. “I have three kids, and I want to teach them the tradition, too. I’m just glad to be a part of it.”