One of the great voices of Tennessee football has died. Walter William “Bill” Anderson died Tuesday morning in Knoxville. He was 80. Anderson, and his broadcast partner John Ward, spent a good portion of his adult life spreading the word on Vol football. They both retired together in 1998 after 31 years in the booth over Neyland Stadium. At the time, it was the longest running broadcast partnership in college football. “It is indeed a sad day for the University of Tennessee and the Vol Network with the passing of Bill Anderson,” UTAD Director of Broadcasting Bob Kesling said. In the 1950s, Anderson was a Vol’s captain and wingback before spending eight seasons in the NFL. He totaled 178 receptions, 3,048 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns during his NFL playing career. He was also part of the Green Bay Packers first Super Bowl I title team. Doug Dickey hired Anderson on his first Vols coaching staff in 1964. Anderson teamed up with Ward in 1968. Picture courtesy of WATE.