Ezra Anderson

Ezra D. Anderson, affectionately known as "Speed" was born on December 31, 1920 in Richmond, VA to the late Emma C. Green and Ezra Anderson Sr. One of two boys he grew up in Richmond, VA and attended public schools graduating from Armstrong High school. While in high school he excelled in academics and was known for his skill in Basketball and track. Ezra was known as "The fastest runner in Richmond". Speed would continue his love for learning, being an avid reader until he was called home to glory, by attending several colleges and universities. He made his way to Ithaca NY, attending Ithaca College and received his undergraduate degree in Journalism from University of Minnesota. While there he wanted to play basketball, but because of racism, he was not permitted. He would later take up Welding receiving a certificate and working in the shipyard. Ezra Anderson would later attend Boston University, and he graduated from the American Broadcasting School of Boston to become a DJ. It was from here he began his career writing commercials for radio with one corporate sponsor, White House Coffee. This is where he launched his name, which was copyrighted, "Boston Speed". People stayed up all night to hear his commentaries and the smooth jazz that he played. The nickname "Speed" started fifty plus years earlier in Richmond where he was called "Speed" as the fastest basketball player in high school.

His work experience has included being one of the famous "Pullman Porters" on the railroad, opening a restaurant in California, being a waiter in Richmond, VA, all of this before being the first " Talk Show Radio" host in Detroit, MI for which he was on first name basis with great entertainers, governors, politicians, mayors and movers and shakers in the broader community. His voice was the voice for radio in Detroit and Boston, helping to launch the political career of notables such as Bruce Bolling Sr. in the Mass State House.

An ordained Deacon at Concord Baptist Church, Boston, MA he would join GFCC in 1992 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd, an adopted "Richmond grandson". He was a faithful member of GFCC and respected by his peers as well as a lover of his church and the God who was faithful to him. Married to Audrey Crawley on December 19, 1955, and from this union of 61 years one daughter, "the apple of his eye", Marcia Anderson, was born. He was an avid reader, researcher, and bible student, lover of the "preached word", writer, and developer of legal briefs of which one brief made its way all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

Today, Mr. Anderson is best known for his famous "Speed Dog". He was the one and only vendor at the Boston Marathon in 1985. Raymond Sokolove said of him: "this hot dog is the best in America, among contenders in LA, New York, and Chicago (Wall Street Journal, 2008). Those famous hot dogs, lathered in his homemade relish of raw onions and bean less chili were sold from his "Speed Wagon", (Kitchen on Wheels), once located in New Market Square in Boston. MA. The recipient of numerous awards, honors, citations and recognitions, he and his Hot dogs will be missed. Speed Anderson never met a stranger who didn't become a friend, as he was gracious and a storyteller par excellent.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his devoted and faithful wife, Audrey (Crawley) Anderson of Framingham, MA and his daughter, Marcia Anderson, also of Framingham, MA; his niece, Cynthia Bing (Robert) of Texas and nephew, James Anderson of Florida. In addition, one sister-in-law, Helen Harkins, of Richmond VA, and one brother-in-law, Leon (Jane) Crawley of Richmond, VA, his nephew, Sean Crawley also of Richmond, VA, and many other nieces and nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by one brother, James Anderson (Valdine-deceased) of Florida, and two brothers-in-law, Robert Waverly and Maynard Oliver Crawley.

Ezra Anderson lived by the paraphrased words from the God of his life: "Follow my word for a map and I will direct your path. Use my Spirit for a compass and I will guide you in the right direction". On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, Ezra D. Anderson peacefully was promoted to glory!

Arrangements under the direction of Duckett Funeral Home of J. S. Waterman & Sons, Sudbury, MA - William R. Duckett, Funeral Director