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After our conversation, I have been thinking more about fathers and sons, and I wanted to share this thought that was rooted in your description of your close relationship with your Dad.  Cody absolutely lives on, in and through you- as his son, his friend, his protege, colleague and partner.  All the daily conversations, work and contact meant that you absorbed that much more of Cody's energy or his soul.  And this realization has inspired me to honor Cody by reaching out to my own father more regularly.  Cody always was, and will continue to be an inspiration.  Blessings.

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Hey Bill,
Growing up I got glimpses of your dad and the impressive figure he cut. He was the epitome of cool and may have worn that Kangol even better than you did! I am so sorry for your loss. There is no real consolation at this time other than the appreciation for the relationship you had, and it's obvious the impact he had on your life, how he helped you be the man you are today. And isn't that every parent's most important job? The added bonus is the incredible influence he had on so many others. All my love my friend
Jon Mozenter

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I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for taking a moment to write.  As many of you know, this is extremely difficult but it is definitely comforting to hear kind words of support from people I have known since childhood.  Pretty cool to hear some of the ways my father made an impression on others.  Once again, thank you!  Although the circumstances are not ideal I am happy to see friendly and familiar names commenting and wish you all only the best!

-Bill A

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Thank you for sharing Cody with the rest of us. We are better off for it and his impact will live on in the hearts ands souls of the many that Cody touched. One of which is me, and I imagine countless others. Peace, love, strength, and unity.

-Christian

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I am sorry to hear about your dad. I only remember seeing him occasionally in our classroom in elementary school when he came to pick you up or whatever, but I certainly knew of his reputation at WURD, which is an awesome institution. Anyway, losing a dad is hard, and I hope you're OK.

Richard Dilworth (Dickie)

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Sending prayers of comfort in and through your time of loss.  Know that I, like many others,  have been and will continue to be inspired by the life work of your father - it's been beautiful to watch you follow in those deep footsteps.  To your father, rest well Sir, we are truly grateful for your life, contribution, example and ultimate compassion.

NiCole "Nikki" Monson

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I was deeply saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I still have vivid memories of him from when we were little. I thought he was the coolest man alive. I remember you two picking me up in the mornings and taking me to school back in the second grade, comforting me (somewhat) when I got glasses for the first time. I remember he used to pitch to your little league team overhand when all the other dads pitched underhand - and you guys were the best!

He was larger than life to me back then.

My dad passed away 4 years ago. I know your pain Bill. My thoughts are with you.

Much love,

Tom Boldt

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Bill,

My family grieves with yours.  Your Dad will always be a bright star in the Philly Constellation.

-Dwayne

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Dear Bill,
I am so sorry.  My heart goes out to you and your family
Jason Kim

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Bill,

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My heart goes out to you and your family. Keeping you all in my thoughts.

My sincere condolences,

Julie Friedberg

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Bill, this is so sad but I loved reading about your father and his contribution to Philadelphia history and culture. What an amazing legacy with so much for you to be proud of.

Xo

Emily Bazelon

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Philadelphia radio legend Cody Anderson has died.

Anderson was the first general manager of WURD, the only African-American-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania. He most recently co-hosted "The Electric Magazine" with Vikki Leach on Saturday mornings on WURD 96.1FM/900 AM.

"Cody was instrumental in breathing life into WURD and shepherding it over our almost 20 years, first as General Manager and most recently as a beloved host, mentor and friend," WURD President and CEO Sara Lomax-Reese said in a statement. "Like his biological family, the WURD family will miss him deeply. But we are grateful for his tireless and generous support of independent Black media, which he championed every day of his life, especially through his advocacy of WURD Radio."

A former owner of WHAT 1340 AM and general manager and president of WDAS 105.3 FM, Anderson touched the hearts and lives of many in the Philadelphia region.

"Cody was a pioneer and giant in broadcast journalism in the Black community in Philadelphia for decades. He was a consistent, constructive, confident, voice on the air. He encouraged persons of color to enter politics, to serve people, and make their communities better places to live," said City Council President Darrell L. Clarke via Twitter after learning of Anderson's passing. "A symbol of positivity, class and achievement for our community is gone. It is on us now to carry on in his memory and in service to others. Rest in Power, my good friend."

After getting his break in the radio industry as an account executive for WDAS, Anderson later managed the station during what some would call their heyday. He worked with personalities such as Jimmy Bishop, Georgie Woods and Joseph "Butterball" Tamburro. Anderson became a leader in broadcast and the community.

WURD honored Anderson during their annual Empowerment Expo in December. "WURD was his home. WURD was his family," his oldest son, Kyle Anderson, told the Philadelphia Sunday Sun.

Lomax-Reese said that it was a caller's idea to give Anderson his roses while he was still there. It was also during the Empowerment Expo that Iyanla Vanzant, known for her "Fix My Life" series on OWN, revealed that Anderson gave her a start in radio at WHAT. Vanzant said that Anderson's personality and friendship inspired her to be a better person.

Those sentiments were shared by many who knew and worked with Anderson through the years.

"Everybody loved Cody," said Donna Clark, Director of Communications and Special Projects for the Philadelphia Tribune. Clark worked for Anderson at WHAT for 12 years when Anderson was the owner, president and general manager of the station.

"I remember once we were making a sales call to Strawbridge and Clothier," Clark said. "We were waiting for the elevator to take us to the executive offices and all of a sudden we were surrounded by people asking for his autograph. There must have been 20 or 30 people shouting his name. Unbeknownst to me, I was with a celebrity. He was so kind to each of them. I asked him if he knew any of those people, he said 'they are people from our community.' He laughed and said, 'if you stay in this business you will have people shouting your name too.' Cody was a kind and gentle man. His kindness will be missed."

Though he has referred to himself as someone from outside, Anderson found himself in the heartbeat of Philadelphia. Becoming one of its most trusted figures and household names in the African-American community.

"Cody Anderson had been a big part of my life," said Vincent Thompson, president of Mediaman Communications, who worked with Anderson for years at WDAS and WURD. "He has been a mentor, a friend, somebody you can always bounce ideas off. He would tell you if you weren't doing what you needed to do to succeed and as far as Black people in this country who have had an impact on radio, Cody is right up there," he said. "If there were a Mount Rushmore of Black folks in radio, Cody would be right up there."

Anderson was also instrumental in starting the Unity Day event that WDAS put on for many years in Philadelphia.

"We wanted to put on an event that would bring political leaders together with the community. Where they would have the chance to interact with them in a fun environment. So, we decided to do it and call it Unity Day," Anderson told WDAS Insight host Loraine Ballard-Morrill recently during an interview celebrating WDAS' 70 years in radio.

When asked what he thought would be his legacy, Anderson responded, "I would imagine the commitment to the community."

Anderson said he believed that no voice is special until it has been heard. He will be remembered for allowing people that had no voice to have a voice.

Anderson leaves behind his wife Verna, daughter Theresa and sons Bill and Kyle.

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Cody Anderson, radio pioneer and long-time general manager of WDAS 105.3, dies

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Philadelphia radio legend Cody Anderson has died. Anderson was the first general manager of WURD, the only African-American-owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania. He most recently co-hosted "The Electric Magazine" with Vikki Leach on Saturday mornings on WURD 96.1FM/900 AM.

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Cody Anderson, radio pioneer and long-time general manager of WDAS 105.3, dies

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Cody Anderson, radio pioneer and long-time general manager of WDAS 105.3, dies

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Philly Tribune article: https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/cody-anderson-radio-pioneer-and-long-time-general-manager-of-wdas-105-3-dies/article_89ed9d1a-7406-11eb-8708-db831fddbec7.html

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Bill, My heart goes out to you and your family.
Peace.
Jason Yaffe

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Bill, this news hit me hard. My heart goes out to you, your mom, Kyle, and Theresa, who I remember as a four-year-old. Growing up around the corner, I have such fond, vivid memories of hanging out with you and your family endlessly in 6th and 7th grades. That house and family were formative. And what came through most clearly about Cody was his essential decency, an aura that was gentle and engaging, warm and cool at the same time (in the best sense of both terms). He just had something that made people want to be around him (plus VERY cool cars), not super common when it’s your childhood friend’s parents! He’ll be sorely missed, but all this lives on in the family he leaves behind, and the many people touched by his life.
Warmly,
Nathaniel

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Bill, So sorry to hear this news. Losing your father is like losing a huge oak tree and the ground from which it grew all at once. There is just this meteor-sized crater where he should be. May the immense pain at the loss eventually give way to immeasurable joy in all you have shared.
A huge hug to you,
Kate Stevens

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Dear Billy,
what a tragic loss. You and your family are in my heart. His legacy lives on in you.
With love,
Cori Schreiber

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It is a mosaic of moments and gestures among the Anderson family that make the picture of love, openness, trust and inspiration I think of in this time.  Bill's quick check-ins with his parents and siblings, the clear sense of family first, honesty and attentiveness with one another, listening with openness and respect to all voices, creating an open home with open hearts, putting in the time for family, friends, and community, caring through actions. You have been a model of compassion, vision, and truth. My heart goes out to you during this time.
With love,
Hannah