William Cody

"William Charles Cody, known to many as "Wild Bill" or "Bill," age 81, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at OSU Hospice in Columbus, Ohio, after a brief illness (potential lymphoma).

Born on January 4, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was the son of William Parker Cody and Vera Virginia Rosene. He was raised by his mother's sister, Dorothy Fischer (née Rosene), and her husband, George Fischer, in Gambier, Ohio. He was an only child. Bill attended York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, and went on to earn his Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Bill had a varied and successful career, holding many positions over his lifetime, including security guard, truck driver, and pharmacist. He was known as a hard worker who always excelled in his jobs. Throughout his life, he resided in several locations, including Chicago, Illinois, and Mansfield and Mount Vernon, Ohio.

A man of many passions, Bill loved Western movies, science fiction, and automobiles. He was a dedicated member of the Christian faith and identified as a Lutheran.

Bill was a friend of Bill W. since 1983 and was very active in the 12-step recovery community. He spent several years volunteering his time, sponsoring others, and working with inmates at the Richland County Correctional Institution.

Known for his charismatic personality, Bill was a wonderful storyteller who was always ready with a joke and loved talking to people. He was known for his distinctive, over-the-top fashion, favoring large watches, bracelets, elaborate belt buckles, and full Western attire.

Bill was strong-willed, loving, and caring. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends he made in the recovery community. He was a great lover of animals and leaves behind his much-loved cat, Little Bit.

As an avid Second Amendment supporter, one of his favorite sayings to his step-son Brian was, "It's better to be judged by 12 than be carried by 6."

He is survived by his two step-sons, Tim Reese of Goose Creek, South Carolina, and Brian Reese (and former wife) of Lewis Center, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Elijah, Braeden, and Connor Reese.

Per his wishes, Bill is being cremated, and his ashes will be scattered in "the river."

There will be no service.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you encourage someone who is trying to recover from an addiction."