The town of Independence, Grayson County, and the Rugby Community are saddened to announce the death of Jackie Dale Anders, Age, 73.   He was among our most beloved citizens.  He has been a familiar face in the town of Independence since his early childhood days as he was known as the 'shoeshine boy" operating his shoeshine business in his dad's barber shop in the early 1960's.  He was born on Feb. 22, 1953, in Independence, VA to Cebert Floyd and Grace Deloris Chatham Anders.  At the age of 15 he left home to attend Barber School.  He spent several years working with Jessie's Barber Shop and later realized the dream that his wife always had for him to open his own business with his daughter, Jaclyn, and for the past several years "Pair of Jacks" served Grayson County with distinction.  While Jackie served the community within the confines of his shop, he was most content being outdoors.  Hunting, fishing, or just sitting on his porch were favorite pastimes.  Many will be surprised to learn that he was a skilled handyman.  His girls never recalled having a plumber, electrician, or carpenter in the house, Jackie did it all!  He delighted in his family and was happy to work and provide for them.  The loss of his beloved wife, Connie in 2023, following 52 years of marriage was a blow to him that he was never able to recover.  Jackie will be remembered as one who never met a stranger; he was always armed with a joke in hand.  His service behind the barber chair resulted in more than just a haircut.  One often left his chair, feeling encouraged, appreciated, and a little better armed to face the adversity at hand.

Jackie is preceded in death by his parents,  sister, JoAnn Sexton and brother, Jimmy Anders, four infant children, Justin, Julie, Joshua, and Jack. He is survived by two daughters, Jaclyn Anders and fiance, Derrick Jones of Rugby, VA, Michelle Haydt and Andy Holt of Galax, VA; five grandchildren, Chelsea Dowell and Stephanie Joines of Galax, VA, Michael Owens of Galax, VA, Matthew and Taylor Holt of Galax, VA, Faith and Ricardo Castillo of Crumpler, NC, and Amelia Blackburn of Rugby, VA; two great grandchildren, Violeta Castillo and Hudson Holt; four brothers, Johnny and Leona Anders of Rugby, VA, Jeff Anders of Independence, VA, James and Melissa Hayes of Rugby, VA, and Jessie Anders of Independence, VA; one sister, Joyce Bunn of Hillsville, VA.

At Jackie's request, there will be no formal service.  However, the family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, April 8, 2026, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Mt. Valley Hospice for their gentle care and kindness shown to their father throughout his illness and in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions Mt. Valley Hospice 7599 Carrollton Pike Galax, VA 24333.