Dr. Gary Lee Anderson

Dr. Gary Lee Anderson, 77, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

He was born on August 17, 1948 in Great Falls, Montana to the late Junior and Madelyn (Roe) Anderson. He is also preceded in death by his son, Scott Anderson, grandson, Christopher Anderson and daughter-in-law, Mary Anderson.

Gary came to the University of Louisville in 1981, serving in the Department of Physiology Health Sciences Center for over 33 years. He retired in 2014, receiving the prestigious title, Professor Emeritus. He held many Academic and Administrative roles: Professor, Assistant Dean for Medical Curriculum, Associate Chairman for Educational Instruction, Physiology Course Director for the School of Medicine, and served on many administrative committees. His Research focus on Cardiovascular Function and Microcirculatory Regulation resulted in publications and funding from NIH and American Heart Association and his contributions to Online Physiology Education was honored with the Delphi Center's Innovations and Technology Award.

Gary received numerous Teaching Awards, including multiple Golden Apple Awards from the School of Medicine, which earned him the university’s Faculty Favorite Award, representing student-deemed excellence in teaching. His genuine servant’s heart led him to volunteer many hours nurturing students from underserved groups, historically underrepresented in medicine. His love for teaching physiology, combined with his deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ were beautifully illustrated when he developed “The Physiology of the Crucifixion.” Every year at Easter, Gary was asked to share his presentation with the CMDA School of Medicine students, faculty and staff.

Upon his retirement, the Department of Physiology dedicated a suite of educational offices and a classroom in his name to acknowledge his lasting impact. Dr. Gary Anderson will long be remembered as a pillar and role model in the Physiology Department. His legacy of teaching, leading, and serving others with excellence, humility, and confidence continues to challenge many faculty, staff, and students.

In his personal life, Gary was known to be a man of impeccable character who loved the outdoors. He regularly took his family on hiking and camping trips, enjoyed riding his motorcycle along scenic routes, and was impressively competitive in many sports, especially loving basketball and golf. He was generous with his time and money, making sure the people around him knew they were valuable and loved. He served as a volunteer teacher at his church (Southeast Christian) and got excited when talking about our life after death. He is remembered as a faithful man who was dedicated to his family, loyal to his friends, and will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to know him.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia (Patty) Alice Anderson, children, Shani (Anderson) Ramirez (Daniel), Brett Anderson, Nathan Anderson (Heather), ten grandchildren, Jessica, Justin, Jonah Anderson, Karina, Gabriel (Piper), Talia Ramirez, Katie (Anderson) Goodwin (Dalton), Joshua Anderson, Trey, Ethan Anderson and one great-granddaughter, Araeli Ramirez. He is also survived by his siblings, Dennis Anderson (Jana), Dale Anderson (Anne), Missy Dresch (Leighton), Keith Anderson (Nancy), and Diane Muich.

Visitation will be from 10 am until 12 noon on January 31st at Chapel in the Woods (1407 Moser Road, Louisville, KY 40299) with a memorial service immediately following.

The family requests that contributions in Gary’s memory be made to Hosparus of Louisville.

To share a memory of Gary or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.