A legend has passed on.
William Stephen Anderson II, affectionately known as "Chicago" to his many friends, departed this earthly life on August 20, 2026. After a decade-long battle with kidney disease, prostate cancer and heart valve complications, Steve peacefully completed his journey surrounded by the love and memories of family and friends.
Steve was born and spent the first 23 years of his life in the Schaumburg area northwest of Chicago, Illinois. He was the first of Bill and Jane Anderson’s three children. He attended Hoffman Estates High School and later studied at the University of Colorado before graduating from Eastern Illinois University.
Shortly after graduation, Steve traveled to Statesboro, Georgia, to visit his grandparents, Aulbert Sr. and Lingo Brannen. What began as a visit soon became a permanent move. He joined his grandfather and uncles, Aulbert Jr. and Bob Brannen, at Brannen Tobacco Warehouses and quickly became part of the local community he would call home for the next 36 years. Throughout his career, Steve farmed, built houses, worked in the carrot and peanut industries, performed construction work and built custom decks.
Steve loved life and loved people. That is where the legend of "Chicago" was born. He had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went, and those who knew him often describe him as:
* One of a kind. There will never be another like him.
* The life of the party, always able to liven up any gathering or celebration.
* Someone who shared joy freely and never spoke badly of others.
Steve's passions included golf and fishing of every kind, whether on ponds, rivers, lakes or the open ocean. For several years, he looked forward to annual trips to northern Minnesota, where he enjoyed fishing and making memories with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers.
As a youngster, Steve was an outstanding athlete. From age 7 through college, he played baseball, football and basketball. His father taught him to ski at age 4, and he quickly became an accomplished skier who loved the challenge and exhilaration of the steep slopes of the Colorado Rockies.
Steve dearly loved his brother and sister and his nieces and nephew and was known as a loyal family member and devoted friend. He was also a passionate supporter of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, the Atlanta Braves and his hometown Chicago teams: the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks and Bulls.
Steve is survived by his father, Bill Anderson; his brother, Bran Anderson (Stephanie); his sister, Laurie Jane Achin (Nick); his nephew, Zach Anderson; his nieces, Ali Anderson, Savannah Achin and Nikki Achin; and nine beloved cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Anderson; and his uncles, Aulbert Brannen Jr. and Bob Brannen, and their wives, Teresa and Sylvia.
A visitation and memorial service will be held at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro, Georgia, on Friday, August 28, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial celebration of life at 2 p.m. A family graveside internment will be at Eastside Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 29.
Steve's laughter, friendship, generosity and unforgettable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though he has left this world, the legend of "Chicago" will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Donations can be made at donate.v.org.
Friends can sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, August 25, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.