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On March 25, 1966 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a precious gift was bestowed upon the world and his name was Rotnei Jamarr Anderson. He was lovingly nurtured in a warm and caring home by his devoted parents, Charles Willis “Supe” Anderson and R. Jean Elliott Anderson. His mother hoped one day he would be something great in this world, and with such a unique name, people would remember him." Rotnei accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and was baptized under the leadership of the late Rev. E. R. Neal, Senior Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Along with his parents and siblings, he joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Dickinson, Texas under the leadership of Rev. E. H. Dobbins, then Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. C.H Foy was the pastor and later became a member of Bibleway Fellowship Baptist Church under Rev. Dr. Ivory L. Varner. In 2021 he became a member of House of Hope Church, Texas under the discipleship of Rev. Dr. Chad E. Rankin of League City, Texas until present. Rotnei first attended elementary school in Dickinson until his family moved to Friendswood when he was 10-years-old. He continued his education at Clear Creek ISD often being the first or only Black boy in the class or school. During this time, he played his first game of little league football, was hit, and quit the same day. At about 15-years-old, his family moved back to Dickinson where he completed his schooling and graduated from Dickinson High school in 1984 with several football scholarship offers after deciding to play high school football after not playing in junior high. Rotnei was a dynamic two-sport athlete at Dickinson High School, earning varsity letters in both football and basketball for three years. On the football field, he took home multiple top honors in 1983, including 2nd Team All-State Defensive Back, 1st Team All-Greater Houston Defensive Back, 1st Team All-District Cornerback, and 2nd Team All-District Running Back. He was also named a 1983 Texas Blue Chip Defensive Back. Also while in high school he was the Senior Club founder of “In The Club”. “The purpose of this club was to get the class together, and all the of the seniors in the club were extremely enthusiastic. At the beginning of the school 20 seniors congregated for a meeting to form the first senior club. Rotnei was the brainchild of the club which eventually numbered 50. The senior club was very successful in raising money, selling M&M’s, poinsettias, washing cars, and collecting metal cans and newspapers for recycling. They planned a trip to Cozumel, Mexico after graduation”. Rotnei was recruited out of Dickinson, Texas, as a defensive back when he reported to OU. He was converted to offense in the spring of 1985, following his redshirt season. The 6-1, 208-pound junior took over for an injured teammate early in the first quarter and rushed for a career-high 191 yards on 30 carries in OU's 29-10 victory over Oklahoma State. At Oklahoma, Rotnei was a key member of the 1985 National Championship team and contributed to three consecutive Big 8 Conference titles from 1985 to 1987. Rotnei’s college success earned him national recognition, including appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in November 1987. Rotnei played on OU’s 1985 National Championship team and graduated in 1988. “He was an outstanding player but he is an incredible person!” - Barry Switzer, Former head coach of OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. He played for Barry Switzer from 1984-1988. Archive ID: 326893- The Oklahoman After a brief professional stint with the Indianapolis Colts, Rotnei returned to Dickinson to give back to his community by coaching at Dickinson High School, starting Little Dribblers, a youth basketball league, and mentoring young athletes on his own time. His legacy as both an athlete and mentor continues to impact the community. Always having an entrepreneurial spirit, he started his own temporary employment company, One Source Staffing, a cooking company, Soul Food to Whole Food that fed those in the community during the National Pandemic, Covid 2020. While attending OU, in the Spring of ’86, he pledged with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. -Zeta Zeta Chapter. He stood tall and proud of the qualities of an Alpha Man. In his leisure time he enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking and watching football. Because of his many athletic achievements Rotnei was inducted into Dickinson's Athletic Hall of Honor in 2025. Rotnei fought a battle with his health for several years, but nothing could subdue him; though he had some rough days, he held to his faith and remained positive and inspirational through it all. On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Rotnei went home to be with the Lord at HCA Mainland Hospital in Texas City. He was welcomed at Heaven’s gates by his beloved parents, Willis Charles “Supe” Anderson and Ruby Jean Elliott Anderson and many other loved ones. Those awaiting Christ’ glorious return and his legacy of memories are: his three children, JaVonne Lanei Anderson of Spring, TX, Rotnei Jamarr Anderson, Jr. of Texas City, TX, Tiya Michelle Anderson of Santa Fe, TX and two bonus children, Joseph Jones and Brentney Branch (Shernise), both of Houston, TX; his siblings, Nelson Gilmore of Wineoak, LA, RoTyra Anderson of Texas City, TX, and Fredrick (Melanie) Anderson of Webster, TX. His grandchildren, Kyson, Kaiis and Khyler Faultry and Mondae Jones; his niece, Brittany Gilmore; great-nephew, Karon; nephews, Rian Anderson, Nelson Gilmore, Jr. and Tayven. Niece, Joi Anderson; special friends, Rebecca Spry, Ken Davis and Wilbert Lawson; and a multitude of cousins, special children, God family, best friends and loved ones who will forever cherish his legacy.

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Rotnei Jamarr Anderson Sr.

March 25, 1966 - September 7, 2025