Buster Anderson, the co-founder and executive vice president of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, passed away Thursday, June 6.
Buster Anderson
NASTC President David Owen expressed his sorrow for the loss of his friend of 39 years, dating back to 1985, when they first worked together at Comdata, as published in Anderson's obituary. "Words cannot possibly convey on paper the sadness and loss as we share the news of Buster Anderson’s untimely passing," Owen wrote. "His death followed an operation that would have extended his time with us and unfortunately, his weakened heart condition failed to support his recovery."
The NASTC president continued with this appreciation:
To say that Buster will be missed is a gross understatement. The Anderson family, the Owen family, the NASTC family, and the entire driver community has lost its most ardent supporter, mentor, and cheerleader.
Buster was my friend, business partner, and confidant for 39 years dating back to 1985. We both were top producers at the Nashville-based company, Comdata Network. When I decided to leave to start the NASTC company, I told my wife, 'I sure do wish I could find Buster Anderson.' He had left Comdata some two years prior. Two days later, May 16, 1989, my wife answered a random telemarketing call from a man selling carpet cleaning services, and his name was Buster! Bonnie recognized his voice, we got together, and NASTC was born. We recognize this as just the first of hundreds of miracles that have come our way since.
There would be no NASTC without Buster Anderson, and he is irreplaceable and will be incredibly missed.”
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home -- 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee. NASTC will also celebrate Anderson's life at the annual NASTC Conference, Nov. 7-9, in Nashville. NASTC has been well-known for a myriad of services to motor carrier members over the years and continuing, from its fuel-discount buying group to drug and alcohol testing services, its New Entrant Survival Training classes and so much more.
Regular Overdrive readers may also know that NASTC is the sponsor of the Small Fleet Championship, currently accepting entries from fleets of 3 to 30 trucks. Finalists will be celebrated at NASTC's annual conference as well. Find details at this link.
