The ANS announced the passing of benefactor Charles C. Anderson, Sr. Sorry to hear this news. -Editor

Here's what Pete Smith's American Numismatic Biographies has to say. I only had the pleasure of meeting Charles once. As a former co-owner of Whitman Publications with his brother Joel and supporter of multiple hobby organizations, his positive impact was significant. See some earlier articles linked below for more information.

I added a 2023 photo of Charles flanked by John Feigenbaum and Mary Burleson of Whitman Publishing. -Editor

Born in Florence, Alabama. Graduate of the University of North Alabama.

His family business grew from two newsstands selling fireworks. After banning fireworks in 1946, they were legalized again in 1957. In 1972, Anderson was one of the first American businessmen invited to trade with China.

American Promotional Events, under the trade name TNT Fireworks, is the country's largest importer and distributor of fireworks from China. Anderson News Corp. claims to be the country's largest distributor of magazines.

Owner of Anderson Press, parent of ANACS, and Whitman Publishing. Also owner of Books-a-Million, and Treat Entertainment, parent of H. E. Harris, distributor of numismatic and philatelic products.

He served as president of the Alabama Numismatic Association.

In 2007, ANACS was sold to James Taylor.

In 2021 he was on the Coin World list of The Most Influential People in Numismatics 1960-2020.

I was hired as Whitman's publisher in December 2004. Three weeks later, still getting my feet underneath me, I was scheduled to fly to the Florida United Numismatists show with Charles Anderson. To set the scene: Mr. Anderson wasn't my boss, or my boss's boss … or even HIS boss. He occupied more Olympian heights as chairman of the vast combined Anderson Companies. To say that I was on pins and needles as the trip approached would be an understatement.

Before the flight, Dave Bowers—another legend in the business whom I'd started to come to know personally only within the preceding few weeks—put the scenario in perspective. Dave impishly told me (more than once) how the Anderson companies employed fifteen thousand people and "There probably are longtime vice presidents who haven't flown on the corporate jet with Charles Anderson!" Thanks, Dave. That didn't exactly ease my anxiety!

I needn't have worried. Mr. Anderson was so friendly and down to earth. I admit I was still nervous as the jet took off for Fort Lauderdale from Atlanta, but he made me feel like I belonged there and that my thoughts and observations were valuable. I remember Mr. Anderson, Mary Counts, and I spent the flight going over complex spreadsheets for various ongoing projects. Mr. Anderson's command of every aspect and detail of his businesses was impressive.

Through the twenty years I worked for him, I witnessed that unparalleled acumen over and over. I never stopped feeling amazed and inspired by him. Over the years I had a growing level of understanding that his business savvy was as natural, as fundamental, to Mr. Anderson as was his kindness, his generosity, his genuine caring for people he dealt with whether they were C-suite or entry-level. And I saw how his personal culture became corporate culture throughout the Anderson empire. Honesty, integrity, hard work. Respect for tradition, combined with the courage and confidence to try new things. The importance of using your gifts and resources for philanthropy. And, always, respect and appreciation for your associates.

Mr. Anderson's energy, creativity, and vision made wonderful opportunities for several generations of people throughout the United States and around the world. I'll always remember him and be grateful to him. Specific to Whitman Publishing and Anderson Press, I'm thankful that he brought together a unique team at the perfect time to accomplish amazing things through our work—a renaissance in American publishing that will probably never be equaled.