Mayor Keith Summey is saddened to announce today that Raymond (Ray) H. Anderson, Jr, 69, Special Assistant to the Mayor, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 25, 2022, while hiking in the mountains of North Carolina.
A life-long and passionate resident of the City of North Charleston, Ray served as Special Assistant to the Mayor since 1996. Prior to, he served on the North Charleston Planning Commission, and was elected to North Charleston City Council for two terms, once in 1986 and again in 1995. He was appointed to the first Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority in 1993.
As Special Assistant to the Mayor, Ray oversaw nearly all capital projects undertaken in North Charleston for the last 26 years, working alongside Mayor Summey to modernize facilities and resources for the citizens of North Charleston. Ray was a vital voice in master planning the City during that time, providing invaluable expertise and advice for the advancement of traditional and new neighborhoods, the enhancement of cultural and recreational amenities, and the improvements of city services utilized by every resident. Ray’s institutional knowledge of the people and spirit of North Charleston was unmatched and will forever remain unparalleled.
Prior to serving as assistant to the Mayor, Anderson worked nine years for the Charleston County School District, where he developed the District’s Guide to Architects/Engineers, Educational Program Specifications, Program Guidelines, and the Middle School Team Concept.
An architecture graduate of Clemson in 1974, Ray served as Chairman of the Clemson University Board of Visitors, on the Clemson University Foundation Board, and on the Clemson Alumni Association Board of Directors. Anderson was an active participant in Clemson’s legislative advocacy program, served on the Clemson University Restorative Institute Advisory Board and volunteered with the Charleston County Clemson Club Board of Directors and the Clemson in the Lowcountry Board of Directors.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be made. Please keep Ray’s family and all who knew him in your thoughts and prayers.