German Anderson was born March 20, 1931 to Willie Anderson and Ida Mae Webb Anderson. He was preceded in death by sisters, Onita Burke and Arzalia Coyle and brothers Alphonso, Bennie Albert, Louis, Willie Fred, and Reuben. German was raised and educated in Longview, TX. The family belonged to Friendship CME Church and he accepted Christ during his youth. In 1949, he graduated from Longview Colored High School, which later became Mary C. Womack High School. In January 1951, German entered Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, TX. During his college years he was president of the science club, worked as a teaching assistant, and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, INC. He graduated with honors in May 1953 with a double major in chemistry and mathematics.

He served 2 years in the US Army Airborne Division as a Specialist. He became an avid photographer and especially enjoyed taking pictures while parachuting. After discharge, he began graduate studies in chemistry and mathematics at Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. On June 2, 1956, German married Nellie Daizolu Nickelberry. To this union were born three children: Jerlys, Chandra, and German, Jr. Subsequent marriages were to Ruth Fletcher, and Minnie Washington.

His professional career began at Texas Children's Hospital, now know as UT Southwestern. He transitioned to food chemistry in the early 1960's when he joined Texas Laboratories. He worked there for over ten years specializing in custom seasoning blends for restaurant, packing houses, and other commercial clients. He was also a member of the Institute of Food Technology for several years. German continued in food technology management positions for major brands including Skippy Peanut Butter, Mazola Margarine and Hellman's Mayonnaise. Entry into the beverage industry began at Pepsi Cola. German retired from Miller Brewing Company after 15 years a a brewing manager.

In 1981, Andy's Seasonings, St. Louis, MO was founded by his younger brother, Reuben Anderson and his wife Katherine. German's experience in food chemistry, plant management, and safety were central to product development procuring equipment, and financing. He served as consultant and marketing representative doing in-store demonstrations through his early eighties.

German actively served his community during retirement by volunteering at The Science Place in Fair Park, tutoring students in the Dallas Independent School District adult education program and volunteering at the Senior Center of Lancaster, TX. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church (UMC), he served on the trustee board, administrative council, finance committee, youth ministry, and United Methodist Men's Organization. German served as the designated photographer for Camp Wisdom UMC events. He was a member of Warren UMC for over ten years and Camp Wisdom UMC for over 50 years.

German became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Alpha Psi Chapter on the campus of Huston-Tillotson University on May 04, 1951. German was an active member of the Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. receiving the 50 year service pin in 2001, the 60 year service pin in Omega Psi Phi's centennial year of 2011. He was recognized for 65 years of service during the 80th Grand Conclave in July 2016. He was a dedicated member of the Huston-Tillotson University International Association-Dallas Chapter, sponsoring annual campus tours for high school students in his community and also served as fund raising captain. He was named Alumni of the Year for 1997-1998. German was an active member of the Longview-Womack High School Alumni Association and successfully led the project to have the school site commemorated with a state historical marker in 2014.

German enjoyed cooking and entertaining his family and friends. He won several area chili cook-offs. He excelled in dominoes, and won several community tournaments and taught his friends how to play at the Senior Center of Lancaster. He also enjoyed a friendly and challenging game of poker and was a member of Knights of the Round Table for over 40 years.

German is survived by his three children, Jerlys Anderson, Chandra Anderson, and German Anderson, Jr. of Dallas, Texas and his sister, Joycie Turner, of Allen, TX along with a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends Nancy Jones, Clarence Little, and Newell Cox, all alumni of Huston-Tillotson University.