L.Z. Anderson, known as "Doll" to his relatives and close friends, was born on February 18, 1920, in Forman Arkansas. He was the third child of five born to James Robert Anderson and Lucy Butler. L.Z. and his brothers, better known as the "Anderson Boys", were raised with their sister by their mother in the small town of Idabel, Oklahoma.

In 1942 L.Z. joined the army and served as a Staff Sergeant with the 761st Tank Battalion . They made history as the first all black tank unit to see combat in World War. Their heroic deeds were not publicly recognized until 1978 when the unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by President Carter.

L.Z. married Mary Helen Parker in 1950. They raised three children: Larry, Margo, and Monica in San Francisco/Pacifica, California.

L.Z. retired after working 33 years as a bus driver with the San Francisco Muni Transportation System. In his leisure time he loved to work in his garden, play cards with friends, and golf. He was also known to play practical jokes on the unsuspecting. He enjoyed being around people and was loved by all who knew him.

L.Z. is survived by his wife of 58 years, his son Larry and wife Cindy; two daughters: Margo Anderson, Monica Foermer and husband Dirk Foermer; four grandchildren: Donel Boss, Kirsten Alverado, Darien and Marika Foermer; five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.