text:
Thanks to Pete Simonson for
the suggestion of remembering our radio friends who have passed on.
include our own articles as well as obituaries.
Namey, 66, lived life with passion, purpose By Gal Tziperman Lotan
Orlando Sentinel Richard Namey, who went by Rick, was always ready for an audience. In his youth, he sang in local bands and played bass guitar. Then he went into stand-up comedy and radio hosting. And even when he was off-stage, he found ways to perform, whether it was singing Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" at karaoke or cracking jokes with a restaurant waitress. "He was the back-porch comedian, the driver's-seat comedian. He was always on. It was always a joke," his daughter Tiffany Namey said. Namey died Jan. 26 at Florida Hospital Altamonte after a heart attack. He was 66. Namey worked in radio, television, advertising, music, and briefly in medical clinics. He worked hard, but kept his strong sense of humor. "He was just epic," Tiffany Namey said. "Everything he did, he did with a purpose." Namey was born in Baltimore on Feb. 12, 1949. His family moved to Orlando when he was 10. He graduated from Winter Park High School, then from Sanford Naval Academy. As a teenager, he began organizing rock concerts and managing local bands, eventually bringing acts to the Tangerine Bowl. "The psychology involved in holding rock concerts is unique," Namey told the Orlando Sentinel in May of 1972. "It's a phenomenon and should be handled as such. Rules that apply to any other major event may or may not apply to rock concerts." Namey then went into radio, becoming vice president and general manager of WORJ(-FM 107.7), which under his guidance began playing more progressive rock. "Back in the day, it was a really big step for Orlando to get a progressive rock station. The music industry in Orlando was dominated by top 40," said his brother, Charles Namey. In the late 1980s and early '90s, Namey worked on a number of television and radio stations geared toward tourists at local theme parks. Terrie Thomas, who was married to Namey for 23 years, said he encouraged his children to follow their passions, and was overjoyed when they became interested in something he loved, such as music or theater. Thomas and Namey divorced in 2002. "When they were little kids, he was the world's best dad. He really was. He was a wonderful dad. He would do anything and everything for his children," Thomas said. When Tiffany Namey was a toddler who loved Peter Pan, her father hired an actor to dress up as the character and hop over their backyard fence on her birthday, Thomas said. Namey's son, Ricky Namey, said his father made sure his childhood tree house was wired for electricity. And when Ricky Namey became interested in music, Namey got him a black 1987 Gibson Les Paul Custom guitar and later put him in touch with music-industry connections. "Anytime we got interested in anything, he made it his life and his job," Ricky Namey said. Namey wrote two books about tourism in Central Florida: "Disney Like A Pro" and "Orlando Like A Pro." He also published a political satire called "Buy This Book and Make Me Rich," and "Casey's Ghost," a book about backing out of a job as Casey Anthony's ghostwriter. In addition to his son, daughter Tiffany, and brother Charles, Namey is survived by his mother, Salam Namey; brother John; daughter Tamara of Orlando; and one grandchild. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Lake Ivanhoe Chapel, is handling arrangements. |
"Bud" Paxson
1-10-15 Bud Paxson, creator and co-founder of Home Shopping Network and PAX TV has died at the age of 80. Paxson began his career as an owner of WACK Radio, a 500 watt radio station in the village of Newark, New York. Paxson would later purchase AM station, WWQT in Clearwater. In 1977, an advertiser had plenty of product to sell—avocado-green-colored can openers—but ran out of funds to purchase airtime. Paxson instructed talk-show host Bob Circosta to sell the can openers live over the air and both men were stunned at the audience response. All 112 can openers were purchased within the hour on August 28, 1977. Sensing the sales potential of live, on-air product selling, Paxson and Roy Speer co-founded a local cable TV channel in 1982 that sold products directly to Florida viewers, and then launched nationwide in 1985. The channel was the Home Shopping Club, later Home Shopping Network. in the 1990's his Paxson Broadcasting of Orlando owned five Orlando area stations. Those included WWNZ-AM 740, WWZN-AM 540, WWZN-AM 540, WJRR-FM 101.1, WWZN-AM 1440, WHVE/WVRI/WWNZ/WTKS-FM 104.1 and WMGF-FM 107.7. Paxson also was responsible for The Florida Radio Network. |
"Wendy" F. Husebo
12-4-14 Wendell "Wendy" F. Husebo, 87, passed away on December 4, 2014, in Leesburg, Florida, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Born on August 18, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Andrew and Esther Husebo, Wendy was the younger of two children. He married Jean Thorsellon June 1, 1950, in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The young couple moved to Leesburg, Florida, in 1951. A man of deep faith, Wendy's first order of business upon arrival in Leesburg was to chair the steering committee of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. (Wendy and Jean were charter members of the church, and Wendy later served for many years as the church's superintendent.) In November 1951, Wendy and his brother Paul purchased WLBE radio station. The two brothers also acquired the local baseball team, The Leesburg Packers, which later became known as The Lakers. In 1953, he was recognized as the "Most Outstanding Young Man of Leesburg" and also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Leesburg Jaycees. With a passion for business and for making things happen, Wendy and Jean founded Husebo Advertising, which later became Husebo Advertising and Public Relations, in 1962. Highlights of Wendy's nearly 60-year career included pitching a winning presentation to Roy Disney with Walt Disney World for Florida Telephone and orchestrating the grand openings of both Citizens National Bank of Leesburg and Leesburg Regional Medical Center. He was known for having a way with words and was deeply respected for standing firmly behind those of his own. Despite the demands of his rapidly growing business, Wendy always made time to serve his beloved community. Some of his contributions included serving two terms as president of Silver Lake Golf and Country Club; serving as a director of Citizens National Bank of Leesburg; and serving as a member of the Lake County Executives Club. In 2009, Wendy was inducted into the Lake County Community Service Awards Hall of Fame. Wendy was a proud Rotarian for more than 60 years, and he served two terms as president of the Leesburg Rotary Club, 1958 and 1962. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 1987, eventually becoming a Triple Paul Harris Fellow. He was named Rotarian of the Year for 1998-99 and was the club's song leader for over 50 years. In recognition of his enduring devotion, the Wendell F. Husebo Rotary Scholarship was created in March 2012. A Florida Gator through and through, Wendy was an active member of the Lake County Gator Club for many years. His other favorite pastimes included tennis, running, and spending time with all of his family. Wendy is survived by his children, Larry Husebo, wife Sara Vaughan Husebo; Lanny Husebo, wife Jacqueline Swiderski Husebo; Sandra Husebo Odom, husband Stephen Odom; grandchildren, Tyler Husebo with wife Melissa Silengo Husebo; Joel Husebo; Benjamin Husebo and wife Ayslinn Herndon; Brian Husebo and wife Lisa Husebo; Lancee Kurcab and husband Nathanael Kurcab; L. Wendell Husebo; Sophia Husebo; Caroline Husebo; Wendy Johnston; Stephanie Fiscarelli and husband TJ Fiscarelli; Leslie Stevens and husband Patrick Stevens; great grandchildren; Kyla & Cole Husebo; Easton & Hollis Husebo; Rhiannon, Joseph, Daniel, Timothy Husebo, Samuel Husebo; Allyson Johnston; Troy, Turner, Thomas Fiscarelli; and Brady Stevens and was predeceased by his wife, Jean. Copyright Leesburg Daily Commercial |
Ben Aycrigg
11-4-14 Ben Aycrigg, known as a TV legend in Orlando, died Nov. 4 at the age of 88. Aycrigg was born in Pittsfield, Mass., and moved with his family to Winter Park when he was 15. Ben was a graduate of Winter Park High School in 1944 and started as an announcer at WDBO-AM 580 the same year while attending Rollins College. He graduated from Rollins in 1949, with a bachelor's degree in English and a theater arts minor. In 1954 Ben was instrumental in the programming of WPRK-FM 91.5 . He left the world of radio in 1959. He would become News Director at WLOF-TV Channel 9. now WFTV. In 1966 Ben went to work at the CBS affiliate, WDBO-TV channel 6 (now WKMG) as their first news reporter. In his 30 years Ben would be reporter, News Director from 1968 to 1976 and Anchor the 6PM and 11PM newscasts for the next 15 years before retiring in 1996. Aycrigg is survived by his wife of 59 years, Artemisia; two sons, Christopher Aycrigg of Winter Park and Jonathan Aycrigg of Maitland; a daughter, Elizabeth Lowe of Brandon; a brother, Gerard Aycrigg of Maitland; a sister, Mary Lee Setzer of St. Petersburg; and six grandchildren. Baldwin Fairchild is handling arrangements. The burial will be private. A public service will be held next week. |
H. Gary Morse, Billionaire Behind Florida's
Villages, Dies at 77 The Associated Press 10-30-14 THE VILLAGES, Fla. (AP) — Harold Gary Morse, the developer of one of the world's largest retirement communities and one of the biggest Republican donors in Florida, has died. He was 77. Morse died Wednesday, according to The Villages Daily Sun, which received a statement from the family. No cause of death was given. Morse took over a small mobile home park in central Florida from his father in 1983, when it had just 386 manufactured homes, a clubhouse and a few shuffleboard courts. The U.S. Census Bureau says The Villages is now one of the nation's fastest-growing communities. In March, The Villages topped the list of fastest-growing metro areas. It grew by 5.2 percent between 2012 and 2013 and now has a population just shy of 100,000 residents. Morse's family released a statement to the community's newspaper on Thursday. "Dad never sought the limelight," the statement read. "He was content to stay in the background and enjoy seeing Villagers revel in this amazing lifestyle of their adopted hometown. While he was a friend and adviser to captains of industry, presidents and heads of state, he never lost focus on this community and making it the greatest retirement development in the world." The Villages is considered "Adult Disney World" by some residents with its 600 holes of golf, more than 100 restaurants, 76 recreational facilities and close to 4 million square feet of commercial space. (As well as WVLG-AM 640) One of the community's selling points: free golf for all residents. Morse was also a prominent GOP donor who made his private jet available to the Republican Party of Florida. In 2012, The Villages gave a total of $350,000 to the state party and a political committee controlled by Florida Gov. Rick Scott. On Thursday, the outpouring of condolences for Morse's death came from Florida Gov. Rick Scott, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and the Republican party of Florida. "When molding The Villages into the one-of-a-kind community it is today, Gary demonstrated what makes our state so great — the idea that anyone can make a positive, lasting impact in the lives of generations to come," Scott wrote in a statement. Rubio called Morse "a friend," and said that he "looked at the pastures and prairies of Florida's interior and saw the American Dream. Not just for him, but for the tens of thousands of seniors who have been able to enjoy their golden years and continue to live them to their fullest." Morse is survived by his wife, Renee, son Mark, two daughters, Tracy Mathews and Jennifer Parr, and stepson Justin Wilson. He also is survived by 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His first wife, Sharon, preceded him in death in 1999. According to The Sun, he will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. |
Christopher J. Mordenga Posted by Staff Writer http://pickens.fetchyournews.com/ Wednesday, October 8, 2014 In loving memory of Christopher J. Mordenga age 67 of Jasper, GA passed away at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Saturday, September 27, 2014. Chris was also known as "Chris Morgan" on the radio and all thru his radio career. He was born on November 15, 1946 in Rochester, NY. During Chris' childhood his family moved to Ft. Pierce, FL. He was a graduate of Dan McCarty High School, Class of 1964. In 1973 he moved to Georgia where he remained until his sudden passing. Chris loved music, especially oldies. He worked at several Atlanta radio stations during his career. The first station was WPLO. His longest run as a radio broadcaster was at WQXI 790AM. He had a "Sunday Night Oldies Show" for a number of years at several locations, with the last one being at Johnny's Hide Away. He also worked at Lake 102, Country 105.7, 680 The Fan, Kicks, Sunny 100 and Cool 105.7. For a few years he and his wife ran the Caboose Cafe in Blue Ridge, GA. Chris leaves behind his wife, Cheryl of 25 years; daughter and son-in-law, Windy and Chuck Allen of Land O Lakes, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Sarah Shoemake of Savannah, GA, and 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy Hoskins. Her husband, Mike of Land O Lakes, FL survives. Dr. Vince Smith will officiate a memorial service to be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Northside Park Baptist Church. 1877 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30325-0917. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Church in his memory for Operation Christmas Child. Cagle Funeral Home was honored to serve the Mordenga Family. In Central Florida Chris worked at WDVH-AM 980, in 1968 and WKKO-AM 860 in 1969. |
W. Gore 8-8-14
Harold W. Gore (Hal) of Vero Beach, Florida and Sky Valley, Georgia left us on August 8, 2014 after an excruciating but swift battle with 2 simultaneous cancers. He was born May 16, 1931 in Watertown, N.Y. the only beloved son of Harold W. Gore Sr. and Edna McNulty Gore. Hal served in the Air Force from 1949 to 1953 and returned to Watertown to begin his 60 year Broadcasting career, spinning records at station WWNY ultimately becoming station manager. He then moved to Rochester NY as GM for station WRVM (1961-1965). Then on to WRTH in St. Louis (1965-1969) becoming Executive VP for Sudbrink FM Broadcasting Corp. based in Fort Lauderdale Fl. (1969-1978). In 1978 Hal established Gore Broadcasting Inc. and owned & operated numerous radio properties over the years. He also began a new career as a radio broker. From 1984 (to August, 2014) he was Chairman and CEO of Gore Overgaard Broadcasting Corp. (owners of WROD-AM 1340 and WSBB-AM 1230). From 1991 to 1995 he was President of WTLK TV in Atlanta Ga. In 1993 he formed Force Communications, Media Brokers. Hal and Jane have loved living in Sky Valley, Ga since 1978 and also had homes in Atlanta for a number of years. They resided in Vero Beach 1995 to 2010 and recently returned to their "Village by the Sea". He was a member of the National Assn. of Broadcasters and American Broadcast Pioneers, National Assn. of Religious Broadcasters and National Assn. of Media Brokers. He was also an original "Delta Airlines Colonel". Hal is mourned and deeply missed by his wife, Jane, of 36 years of marriage where every day was a "holiday" and his daughter, Lenay of Washington D.C., sons Brett and Christopher, granddaughters Michele and Kim and great grandsons Reed& Dale. He is predeceased by his first wife, Doris Croyle Gore and son, Terry. Funeral services will be at Christ Church by the Sea, 3755 Hwy. A1A Vero Beach Fla. 32963 on Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 AM. A memorial service will be held at the Chapel of Sky Valley in the fall, where his ashes will be interred in the columbarium alongside a niche for Jane. Charitable donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: The Broadcasters Foundation of America, 125 West 55th St. N.Y. N.Y. 10019-8254 or Hospice of Indian River County, Fla. |
Long (Terrance Robert Long) 7-8-14 RCS President./CEO Philippe Generali has offered the following statement following the untimely passing of longtime engineer Terry Long. Terry was with WBJW-FM 105.1 from 1974 until 1982. From All Access: It is with shock and deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Terry Long on July 8th, 2014 at his home in Wappinger Falls, NY. Terry would have turned 60 next January. The causes of his death – apparently health related - are still being determined. Last May, Terry celebrated 20 years of working for RCS. He was one of our most knowledgeable engineers in the field of Novell Networks and Master Control, installing well over a hundred radio station's automation systems during his career. He then went on to a senior Support position to eventually rise to a Team Leader role. With plenty positive client's comments and thousands of hours spent on the phone helping customers, work was one of his passion. Terry was a night owl, always preferring the late evening shift. He had a knack for meteorology, often keeping an eye on the Doppler radar for our White Plains area. I can still hear his kind advice on occasional summer nights where I had come to the office in the morning riding my motorcycle: "Philippe, I just want to tell you that you should get out of here now, there a nasty rain patch coming our way." Yes, Terry allowed me to stay dry many a times. Terry, we know you were an accomplished HAM radio guy. I hope there is a frequency somewhere, someday up there were you will be able to receive everyone's message of how much we'll miss you. Good bye, my friend! |
Terry Dollar 3-22-14 Terry L. Dollar of Cocoa passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville. Terry was born on December 27, 1952 in Phenix City, Alabama by two loving and caring parents Marvin E. Dollar and Patricia A. Dollar. Terry was a well known disc jockey (at WCKS-AM 860) and owned and ran a successful printing business "Dollar Printing" for over 35 years. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends who loved him. He is survived by his sister Deborah Larson (Curt), brother, Philip Dollar (Shawnee), brother, Glenn Dollar, sister, Tracey Bowman (Joe), eight nieces and nephews, and six great nieces and nephews. Terry knew no strangers and was always quick with a joke or story to be sure to make you smile. He was always willing to help those in need. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church on Merritt Island on Saturday, April 5, 2014. The viewing will be from 10:00 am - noon; funeral starting at noon. Burial will be at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge. Memorial donations are appreciated at www.gofundme.com/terrydollar. The family is very thankful for all the love and support. Published in FLORIDA TODAY on Mar. 30, 2014 |
Mark Hellinger 2-2-14 Ontario, Ohio: Mark David Hellinger, 57, passed into glory Sunday morning, February 2, 2014, after a long illness and a courageous battle. Born March 23, 1956 in Crestline, Ohio, Mark bids farewell for now to his loving parents Chester and Alice (Beck) Hellinger of Ontario; one sister, Cynthia K. Hellinger Phelps; two brothers, James A. (Mary Ann) and Evan Hellinger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and infinitely many friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents George and Evelyn Hellinger and Albert and DaLee Beck, uncles, aunts and a young nephew, Trisen. His beloved dog Lucy is at his side once more. Mark was a graduate of the Ontario High School class of '74. He was highly respected by his classmates and faculty and more than likely the only student with a set of keys to every room in the school. He took that honor very seriously and never betrayed the trust. At age 16 he began his career as a radio announcer at WGLX in Galion, Ohio. From there he landed a job at WMAN 1400 AM in Mansfield and went on to become a popular DJ. In March of 1983 he decided cold weather wasn't for him anymore and headed south. In Florida, Mark started out as an announcer in Lakeland, then Orlando (at WDBO-AM 580), and finally as a news director at WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach. His proudest career moment was receiving the SE Regional Emmy for News Production for a special newscast he produced and directed. In 1994, he moved to the mountains and bought a radio station in Jasper, GA. Within a short time he purchased several other stations and got them up and running. That was a dream come true for Mark. He returned home to Ohio recently where he could be near family. He often spoke of what he believed heaven would be like and he carried that vision until the final beat of his kind and generous heart. Mark rubbed elbows with some of the big names in the business, but the most important elbows were those of his family. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Ontario United Methodist Church, 3540 Park Avenue West, Ontario. Family and friends are invited to call for two hours prior to the service from 11-1 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Ontario Cemetery. At Mark's request memorial contributions may be made to The Richland County Humane Society, 3025 Park Ave West, Ontario, OH 44906 or MedCentral Hospice, 335 Glessner Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Mark David Hellinger. Special thanks to MedCentral Hospice, Lexington Court Care, Georgia Mountain Hospice and Dr. Adam Bressler of DeKalb, GA. Your special touch made all the difference to the Hellinger family. |
John Scott (John
Bross) 1-28-14 John F. Bross, 59 of Daytona Beach, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Florida Hospital. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Monday, January 27th at 7 pm at Lohman Funeral Home, 733 W. Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. John was an advertising rep. in the automotive industry. He is survived by his daughter, Erika L. Bross, son, Adam S. Bross, and his former wife, Robin L. Bross, all of Ormond Beach, FL, his parents, Michael and Edith (Goodwin) Bross, Jackson, MS, his brother, Michael (Marvene) Bross, MS, as well as John's nieces, April Bross Mann, Clinton, MS and Jessica Bross Ketchum, Brandon, MS. Additional services and inurnment will be held at a later in Tennessee. Condolences may be shared with the family through this online guestbook. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. |
K.P. Manning
Passes 1-6-14 It's with sadness that we report the passing of KP Manning. Ken, as I knew him, was a talented guy with a wild sense of humor and loving dad to two youngsters he was so proud of. Our condolences go to his family and friends. |
Iron Dave Adams Passes
9-24-13 It's with sadness that I report the death of Iron Dave Adams (Dave Mather). Dave was a fixture in Central Florida. More details as they become available. Our condolences go out to all of his family and friends. |
More On Iron
Dave 9-27-13 From a post on Facebook from Joe Ferraro FYI: Iron Dave's dad said they are having just private service for the family. They will have Iron Dave Adams cremated and shipped to Alabama. There is a memorial service to honor Dave for his friends and colleagues being planned now and I will let all know once there is more information. From a post on Facebook from Kevin Hanley Please join us as we gather together to Honor our Dear Friend and Patriot Brother, IRON DAVE ADAMS. He is surely resting in the arms of the angels ♥ "Iron Dave's" Celebration of Life Event Sunday, December 8 at 12:00pm at The Abbey in Orlando. |
Louis Grassi, Jr. "Alex Stone" (Dec 15, 1949 - Aug 6, 2013) Alex Louis Grassi, Jr., 63, of Springfield, passed away in his home on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 following a short illness. Alex was born in Fort Scott, KS, and in his early years the family lived in Springfield, Kansas City, Euliss, TX, then settled in Moore, OK for many years where Alex graduated from Moore High School in 1968. After high school Alex enrolled in radio school and then spent his working years behind a microphone as a disc jockey known as "Alex Stone". Alex had a great career which took him many places. His "Alex Stone" voice, which had a fantastic sound to it, was heard in many different cities, including Oklahoma City, Joplin, MO, Appleton, WI, Boston, MA, Orlando, Fl (at WLOF-AM 950), and of course he was heard for many years in Springfield, MO. During his time as a "DJ" he met a variety of people, including many celebrities. Alex was preceded in death by his Father, Alex Louis Grassi, Sr., and an infant brother, Louis Frederick Grassi. He is survived by his Mother, Ivadell Cobb Grassi of Springfield, Aunt, Joanne Grassi of Fort Scott, Ks, and a large family of cousins all in the Springfield and surrounding area. Alex is also survived by many dear and special friends that he found along life's journey. Graveside inurnment will be Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery, Willard, MO. under the direction of Greenlawn North Funeral Home. No visitation is planned. Online condolences can be made to www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. |
'Gene' Morley Burns 5-25-13 Eugene "Gene" Morley Burns, beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and legendary talk radio personality, died peacefully in San Francisco Saturday (May 25, 2013) after a series of heath issues. Burns was 72. Known for his incredible wit, poignant introspection, and a powerful voice, Gene possessed the ability to command a room, and earned the respect and love of fans nationwide. Gene was born in New Brunswick, N.J., and raised in Hornell, NY. In his early 20s, he was hired as news director for radio station WWHG in his hometown of Hornell, before moving on to WSBA in York, Pa. He began his career as talk radio host at WCBM in Baltimore in the mid-1960s. While there, Burns did two major international assignments, going to Vietnam in 1968 and the Middle East in 1969. Following a brief stint with WEEI in Boston, Gene served as both a host and program director at WKIS-AM in Orlando, Fla., beginning in 1971. He would remain there until 1981, when he departed for WCAU in Philadelphia. He returned to Orlando and WKIS in the early 1980s and was named the station's operations manager in 1984. Gene possessed a renowned political mind, and ran for the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination in 1984. Later in life, he re-registered as a Democrat in 2008. In 1985, he returned to Boston, hosting a talk show on WRKO. In 1993, he moved to New York City and began hosting a nationally syndicated talk program from the studios of WOR. In 1995, he began broadcasting for KGO 810 AM in San Francisco. Bay Area listeners perhaps knew him best from his eponymous weeknight program on politics and social commentary-" The Gene Burns Program" or "the issues of the day" — as he called it-and his Saturday show "Dining Around with Gene Burns", which focused on wine and food in what Burns called the "epicenter of American gastronomy." He was ranked among the top 25 radio talk show hosts of all-time by Talkers Magazine. To Gene, family always came first. Those close to him knew that he was a star and that they had to share him. Gene was never happier, or more truly himself, than when he was sitting around the dinner table with family and friends reminiscing about family reunions, trips, and re-telling past and present tales. Gene was an HHS Alumni Class of 1958. In 2008, he spoke at his 50th Class Reunion about his start in Hornell and his love for The Maple City. He received a standing ovation for his comments. Gene is predeceased his parents, Robert and Gladys Burns; and his brother Thomas. He is survived by his siblings, Margaret, Dennis, David, and Roberta Burns Riggsbee; a sister-in-law, Mary Sue Holcomb Burns; a brother-in-law, Farris Riggsbee; two nieces, Brittney Riggsbee Delancett, Charisse Burns Bitner; and two nephews, Matthew Riggsbee, and Cameron Burns. A celebration of Gene's life will take place 10 a.m., Saturday, June 8 at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando, 1901 E. Robinson Street, Orlando, Fla. 32803. |
Bright Passes
4-15-13 Jim "Biff" Burns informs us of the passing of R.L." Bob" Bright, longtime general manager of WRMF-AM/FM in Titusville after being hospitalized shortly for an illness. Arrangements are pending. He will be buried in Nashville, Indiana where he had been living after leaving Florida many years ago. Thanks to Lou Josephs and Jim "Biff" Burns for passing along the obituary. Robert
Lee "Bob" Bright, 92, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2013,
surrounded by his loved ones in Arlington, Va. He
is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Detering Bright;
daughters and sons-in-law, Ruth and Kenneth Parent
and Beth and Marcel Gutierrez; and first cousin, Juanita
Moberly of Nashville. Bob was born in Brown County on Jan. 10, 1921, to Lee
and Ruth Bright. He graduated from Indiana University
in 1942, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II,
and was honorably discharged in December 1945. With his golden speaking
voice, he began a 40-year career in radio and television broadcasting
and management while awaiting call-up to military service, and resumed
activity in this profession after discharge. Early in his radio career,
he came down with strep throat and went to the hospital, where he met
his wife, a nurse. A devoted husband and father, his greatest joy came
from spending time with his family and friends. His warmth, kindness and
sense of humor will be missed by all. What it doesn't tell you... Bob was on one of the turns during the Indy 500..was good friends with Mr. Fairbanks. so in the late 60s he was GM of the then 500 watt WRMF AM..in 73 he got the 10 KW WRMF AM on 1060 up from the nifty 1050..he was GM until April of 1978 when Advance Communications took over. |
Rushing RUSHING, Daylon 64, of Tampa, passed away on April 14, 2013. He was a radio DJ for many years in Tampa Bay, and took great enjoyment from music. He is survived by his father, Julian Rushing; his brother, Larry Rushing; and extended family and friends. Daylon will be forever missed. Words of comfort at floridamortuary.com. Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services 813-237-2900. Published in the Tampa Bay Times on April 17, 2013 Dr. Larry Flegle (Larry Vee) sends along information on the death of Daylon Rushing. He started his career at fifteen years of age in 1963, and worked all over the state. WEDU, WUSF-FM 89.7 Tampa, WPKM-FM 104.7 Tampa, WYOU-AM 1550 Tampa, WALT-AM 1110 Tampa, WPAS-AM 1400 Zephyrhills, WDCF-AM 1350 Dade City, WINT-AM 1560 Melbourne, WMFJ-AM 1450 Daytona Beach, WWWW, WKKO-AM 860 Cocoa, WFUN-AM 790 Miami, WLCY-AM 1380 St. Petersburg, WTSP-AM 1370 St. Petersburg, WFLA-AM 820 Clearwater, WDAE-AM 833 Tampa, and WJYW-FM 100.7 Tampa. |
1-20-13 Popular DJ wowed Orlando listeners for 11 years Matthew Richardson, Orlando Sentinel January 26, 2013 Ocoee resident Rock Robinson was a fast-talking, quick-witted DJ who held the No. 1 spot with Orlando's WHOO(-AM 990) morning radio show from 1958 to 1969. His career in radio lasted a little more than a decade. But if anyone were to ask him, he'd say it's what he was destined to do his whole life, said his son Jim Robinson of Windermere. After listening to a few airclips that Robinson found and later uploaded to YouTube, it's obvious how Rock captured so many listeners. His natural, playful demeanor could be heard through the airwaves and the jokes and rhymes came non-stop. "I hear you buzzin' cousin," Rock would say as the phone rang. "Speak up loud and clear so we can hear you, dear." For 11 years, Rock's clever delivery informed and entertained many throughout Orlando. Rock Robinson died Jan. 20 from complications caused by Parkinson's disease. He was 93. He was born in Muskegon, Mich., on September 19, 1919, a birthday that became a running joke in the family. And while Rock enjoyed talking, Robinson said, he wasn't quick to discuss his experiences in World War II. Robinson said his father enlisted and became a tail gunner at the start of World War II. He was honorably discharged after the war. Always known to be a great story teller by family and friends, Rock gave radio hosting a shot in Lansing, Mich., in 1954 and his career quickly took off. In 1956, he accepted a radio gig in Miami but a quick turn of events led him instead to accept the job with WHOO in Orlando. "He was actually on his way to Miami to accept a job, but stopped in Orlando for the night," Robinson said. That same day, Rock met the owner of WHOO, who said that he "wanted to bring someone bigger than life to Orlando." Rock was that someone. "The guy gave him an offer he couldn't refuse," Robinson said. In 1958, Rock debuted on WHOO with the Rock Robinson Show. "He was liked instantly," Robinson said. Anyone that knew my dad loved that show." Robinson said his father had the No. 1 rated show for eight years. "He's held a marathon broadcast for 72 hours and he's broadcasted from a suspended crane," Robinson said. "They did some crazy things, but he was a celebrity back then." Rock inspired others with his talent. Richard Russo, Jr., who lived down the street from Rock, was one of them. "I would sit at the station with Rock and watch him work and caught the radio bug," Russo said. Russo went on to become a sports radio personality with several stations, but never forgot who sparked his interest in radio. "Rock was just a great, guy," Russo said. After Rock's father died, he moved back to Michigan in 1969 where he worked in another radio station for three years until moving back to Orlando, where he became involved in the time-share business. His full retirement came in 1983 when his first wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She later passed away. "My dad was a tough person and he pushed his way through everything." Robinson said. In addition to Jim Robinson, Rock Robinson is survived by his son Jerry Robinson of Orlando. Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, Winter Park is handling the arrangements. email@example.com Copyright © 2013, Orlando Sentinel |
G. Brady
11-28-12 |
Brand 11-3-12
Published in Gainesville Sun November 6, 2012 James Maitland Brand II passed away quietly in Hospice Care on November 3, 2012. He was born in Fargo, N. Dakota on July 9, 1934. Jim was educated at William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri, and he started his radio career when he was in college, at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He served his military service in the United States Air Force as Staff Sergeant from 1954-1957 and was honorably discharged. Since then, he has been working at some radio station as Radio Announcer and Program Director. He got his start in Dallas, Texas working midnight until six A.M. at KGKO. Then he worked at KDOK in Tyler, Texas; at KOKE in Austin, Texas, KICN radio in Denver, Colorado, and back to Dallas. He spent ten years in Louisville, Kentucky, working for WAKY. He was hired by Gordon McLendon as Program Director and remained with the station under LIN Broadcasting as group Program Director. He hired and motivated one of the finest air staffs ever assembled. WAKY was one of the most successful stations in the country during the 1960's. After being Program director of WLEE in Richmond, VA, from 1969-1970, he worked for WMEX in Boston, MA as Program Director. He was responsible for the hiring and the motivation of the air staff in the #5 metro market. He served as a member of the management team who guided the daily operations of WMEX, one of New England's legendary stations. Then after New Jersey, Jim came to Florida in March, 1970. A close friend bought the station that is WDVH in Gainesville. He orchestrated the change from top 40 to country. As a result of those changes, the station had billing and rating increases for thirteen years. He stressed staff involvement in the community through his own actions, and supervised a staff of six on-air dee-jays and a news department of seven. He implemented the change to Big Band/Nostalgia WLUS in 1986 at the direction of station owner/manager Larry Edwards. He prepared the station for sale in 1988 and was retained by the new owners as PD/talent. WDVH Gainesville joined with WDJY Trenton now known as WDVH-FM. Following ownership and management changes, under Bill Morris, JB, stayed with WDVH for nearly 42 years. There were two brief stints where he left Gainesville for Tampa. During his tenure with WDVH owner, Pamal Broadcasting, Jim commuted between Gainesville and WRZN in Hernando for three and a half years. He returned to WDVH in 2003. Over the years, one of his creations, WDVH Swap Shop has grown from a fifteen minute program to a four hour Saturday show and starting October 3, 2011, a 2 hour a day weekly show under the new owners, Marc Radio. Once Swap Shop began in 1971, Jim had answered over a half-million calls. Jim brought a wealth of information of N. Central Florida to a daily conversation show: news, ideas, views and information. A bright bouncy sound coming over the air waves of WDVH made listeners and advertisers alike recognize Jim Brand. Jimmy's day just began with his regular air shift. It may have ended over a conference table, in the production room at 2AM, or with the conclusion of a special WDVH promotion. It's hard to determine Jim's greatest attribute, but one that's not to be overlooked is the enthusiasm and drive that radiated from a bubbling personality. He had his own technique for instilling the same drive into his staff. Next to the transmitter, Jim Brand was WDVH's most important property. His humanity, integrity and compassion touched so many people's lives in such a positive way. Walter Lippmann said "The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on." He will live in our hearts and minds forever. When you lived the life he lived, you'll leave a legacy. His awards and community service include Master of Ceremonies at Police Country Music Shows; Fraternal Order of Police Associates (Twice President 1984-1985); Eastside High School Advisory Board (1981-1984): Archer Community School-Master of Ceremonies at every event held at the school for ten years (1977-1987); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Exalted Ruler 1983-1984 and 1986-1987; M.C. Univ. of FL Gator Growl-1980-1981-1982-1983; Moderator at Town Meetings for Congressman Buddy McKay (1985-1986); M.C. at Newberry Watermelon Festival (1970's and 1980's); Chief Judge, Florida Watermelon Assoc. Queen Contest (Clearwater, FL - 1985); Judge-Miss Alachua County Beauty Pageant-1985; M.C. at Newberry Miss America Preliminary Pageant (1982-1986); Chamber of Commerce's LEADERSHIP GAINESVILLE-Guest Speaker on media-1986; M.C.-Alachua County Sheriff's Small Fry Fishing Tournament (1984-1987); Grand Marshall Hawthorne, FL Christmas Parade; Alachua Co, School Board Annual Spelling Bee (pronouncer 13 years); Master of Ceremonies at 12 consecutive Eagle Scout Courts of Honor; Guest Speaker at Gainesville Boy Scout Council Annual Meeting (1984); Guest speaker at University of Florida College of Journalism 1982-1984-1986; Alachua County School Board-Pronouncer at City Wide Spelling Bee; Heart Assn.-M.C. at Heart Fund Ball-1984; Eloise Henderson Tribute-M.C. -1988; Farm Home Administration-Narrator for annual Meetings (1982-1985); Alachua County Adult Education Program-narrator of slide presentation; Public Television (Channel 5) Established and then broke all fund raising records for WUFT (1978-1983); Member, UF Touchdown Club; UF O'Connell Country Music Shows, M.C.: Hank Williams (2 times), Kenny Rogers, Mel Tillis (2 times), Brenda Lee, Barbara Mandrell, Alabama (3 times), Waylon Jennings, Jerry Clower (2 times), Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn; Official Voter Registrar-Alachua County, Moderator at Candidates Forum in Micanopy-1986; Moderator at Candidates Forum in Archer - 1986; Galloneer at Civitan Blood Center; City of Gainesville-Played Santa calling from the North Pole - (1983-1987); WLUS Dances, M.C. 1986-1987; Elk of the Year Award 2001-2002; Served on the House Committee and Trustee Committee for the Elks Lodge #990; Auditor to the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Fla. N.E. District 2005-2006; Exalted Ruler's Award-Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 2007-2008; State Chairman of the New Lodges Committee for the State Elks Assn. 2011/12; Coach of the Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 ritual team; N.E. District ritual contest coach winner (1st place) 2011-2012; State ritual contest coach winner (2nd place) 2012; Selected candidate for the Elks State Vice-President for the N.E. District of the Florida State Elks Association 2012. He was unable to serve because of falling ill. Jim always said he inherited a work ethic from his father, James Brand, that spanned 60 years, and his personality from his mother. He is survived by his Mother, Dorothy Brand of Independence, MO; his son, James Fratarcangelo; his beloved companion Sally Crews and her son, Byron Crews. A Memorial Service will be conducted by the Elks Lodge #990 Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown, 404 North Main Street. A reception will follow at the Gainesville Elks Lodge #990. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Florida Elks Youth Camp, P.O. Box 49, Umatilla, FL 32784. |
Dempsey 10-27-12 Robert Peter Dempsey, age 76, of Orlando, FL passed away Saturday, October 27th, 2012, at his home in Orlando. Born in Boston, MA, Bob was the son of the late Josephine (Sullivan) and James Brenden Dempsey. Bob enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in radio, television, marketing, and advertising, including general management positions at radio stations in Providence, RI, and Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville, FL, and in sales management for a network affiliated TV station in Providence. He was also the marketing director for the syndicated radio program "An American Idea" which was named the country's "Best Syndicated Daily Radio Program." Bob became known and respected nationwide for his work as an Account Executive with Orlando's DeFalco advertising agency, overseeing millions of dollars in investments in radio, television, and print advertising on behalf of many of the nation's most successful car dealerships. A lifelong sports fan, he returned to radio late in his career, winning "Salesman of the Year" honors for his performance for Clear Channel's sports station in Orlando, and subsequently with Genesis Communications in Orlando as well. More recently, he founded Bob Dempsey Advertising, developing and executing marketing and advertising campaigns for businesses throughout Central Florida. Bob infused all of his projects – indeed, all of his life -- with enthusiasm, energy, and creativity, and he will be missed not only by family and friends, but also by his associates, his clients, and all who have been touched by him. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando. Robert is predeceased by daughter Katie Dempsey (1995) and leaves to cherish his memory wife Marie Frances (Snow) Dempsey of Orlando; four daughters, Kathleen (Kane) Dempsey, of Dallas, TX; Patricia (John) Schwering, of Alexandria, VA; Anne Marie (Don) Dempsey, of Orlando, FL; Roberta (Brian) Fields, of Orlando; sister, Josephine Magnan, of Hartford, CT; and brother, John Dempsey, of New Hampshire. |
Steve Church
Passes 9-28-12 Steve Church, engineer, entrepreneur, talk show host, and founder of Telos Systems and the Telos Alliance, has died in Cleveland, on September 28, 2012. He had brain cancer. Steve was born in San Diego, California. Prior to his founding of Telos Systems, Steve worked at WMEL-AM 930 between 1973 and 1975. Steve is survived by his loving wife Lana, stepson Dimitri, mother Jacqueline Burgess, and brothers Brent Church, Dann Church and Todd Church. He was 57 years old. |
Personality Rick Chamberlin Passes Away The Outer Banks Voice-Sep 27, 2012 Rick Chamberlin, "The Senior Chief," afternoon drive personality at WRSF-FM Dixie 105.7, died Wednesday, September 26, from complications of a massive stroke. He was 61. Chamberlin's distinctive, smooth voice, and seemingly unlimited knowledge of country music garnered him a large fan base across northeastern North Carolina, and much deserved respect and admiration from his colleagues in the local radio industry. His favorite artist without question was George Jones. Rick started his radio career in 1967 in Florida at WFIV-AM 1080 in his hometown of Kissimmee. He followed that with stints at WJPB-AM 1220 Kissimmee, WHBO-AM 1040 in Tampa, and then WHOO-AM 990 Orlando, which at the time was the premier country station in central Florida. In 1970, Chamberlin enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, and served for 24 years before retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He then returned to radio at WCNC-AM in Elizabeth City, before moving over to WKJX-FM Elizabeth City, and in 1996 joined the staff at WRSF-FM Nags Head. He was also an active member of American Legion Post 288 in Coinjock. He is survived by his wife Shelley, three daughters, three sons, and eleven grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Twiford Memorial Chapel in Elizabeth City, with burial to follow at Laurel Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Branch. |
Silvert NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - Funeral Services for Mr. Arnold Silvert, 91, of East Pine Grove Ave, who entered into rest September 3, 2012, will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Posey Funeral Chapel with Veterans Honors. Rev. Roy Kiser officiating. Interment in Rolling Hills Cemetery, Winter Haven, FL. Mr. Silvert was a native of West Virginia, a former resident of Winter Haven, FL, having made North Augusta his home for the past 6 years. He was a devout Christian who loved his family and serving others. Mr. Silvert was a member of the First Baptist Church of North Augusta, where he taught the Priscilla Aquilla Sunday School Class and was a member of the Sheffield Club. He was a founding member of Calvary Baptist Church in Winter Haven, FL and served on the Board of Directors for The Mission. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII and was a member of the Jesse C. Lynch Memorial American Legion Post #71. Mr. Silvert owned and operated several radio stations over the years in Kentucky and Florida. He also worked as a realtor for many years and was one of the first Certified Real Estate Appraisers in the State of Florida. He was a long-time Rotarian and was a current member of the Rotary Club of North Augusta. Mr. Silvert was preceded in death by his wife Anna Ruth Silvert. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, David and Mary Silvert, Owensboro, KY; a daughter, Susan Hutchison, North Augusta; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In 1960, he moved to Polk County and settled in Winter Haven after answering a trade magazine ad for a station manager at WSIR-AM 1490. He eventually bought into the business and became a co-owner with station founder Larry Rollins. Arnold sold his interest in WSIR and then formed a partnership with Bud Kurtz to put up Lakeland's WVFM-FM 94.1. By the early 70's, he was wanting to devote more of his energies to his real estate business and got out of radio, selling his part in the FM to Duane McConnell and Herb Todd. |
Lund Aug
18, 2012 Earlyne Yvonne (Gray) Lund, 77, passed away Saturday afternoon, August 18th, at her home in Ormond Beach, FL, following a brief struggle with cancer. Earlyne is survived by her four children – Pamela Diane (Mike) Storm, Mark Gordon (Denise) Lund, Machelle Ann (Tim) Vallance, Penny Yvonne Piccirillo – 12 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren and her sister – Myrnelle (David) Wulff. Earlyne was born on June 16th, 1935, to Earl and Myrtle Gray in Brookings, SD, and grew up in Dawson, MN. She graduated from Dawson High School in 1953. Earlyne was married over 50 years to the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, Gordon Lund. Gordon passed away in 2005 and she has now joined him in heaven. Earlyne and Gordon moved extensively throughout the early years of their marriage, ending up in Daytona Beach area in 1985 and beginning the radio station ministry (Public Radio, Inc.) which continues to serve the area on stations WAPN 91.5 FM (Holly Hill, FL) and WAPB 91.7 FM (Madison, FL). Of all her accomplishments, Earlyne's greatest achievements have been in the lives of her family and friends. She had a unique gift to recognize and appreciate the talents in others and to make them feel loved and lifted by her presence. Earlyne enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her creative mind, kind heart, and beautiful smile allowed her to make everything from her work at the radio station to sharing her home for family get togethers a very special time. She loved to sew, text, email, share photos, and make DVDs. She leaves all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with the knowledge that they were truly loved and they know she loved the Lord. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 25th, 1 pm, at Calvary Christian Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WAPN (1508 State Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32117) in memory of Earlyne. |
"Yankee Doodle" Harmon Douglas J. "Yankee Doodle" Harmon, 58, died at home Wednesday, August 8, 2012. He was born in Lawrence, Michigan. Doug grew up in Titusville, FL. He graduated from T(itusville) H(igh) S(chool) in 1972. Doug had a beautiful bass baritone voice. He sang in little theatre productions of "Babes In Toyland" and "Ali Baba". When he was 14, he sang in the chorus of The Brevard Opera Guild productions of "Cavalleria Rusticana", "Pagliacci", "Carmen", and a Barbershop version of a Quartet from "Rigaletto". When he was 16, Doug and his dad joined The Brevard Chapter of Barbershop Quartet Singers. While a senior in high school, "The Doug Harmon radio show" played "oldies" on Saturday nights on WRMF(-AM 1060). In 1973, the family moved to Dothan, Alabama. In 1979, Doug became the youngest Railroad Engineer to work for Seaboard CoastLine Railroad in the state of Alabama. He was a member of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Div. 332, Montgomery, Alabama. Doug drove both freight trains and Amtrak passenger trains for 9 1/2 years before retiring. In 1989, Doug and his wife, Tanya Patrick Harmon, moved to Port St. John, Florida, where he followed his dad and older brother in working at KSC for Lockheed-Martin USA. Doug was a Tile Tech and was very involved with the Safety Group - OASIS. He worked there for 20 years. Doug was a gifted wood worker. He was the principle designer and one of the builders of the altar rail, pulpit, altar, baptismal font and lectern of St. Patrick's Church. Predeceased by his wife, Tanya, and his mother, Mickey Harmon. Doug is survived by his father, Mel Harmon; brother, Michael (Carolyn) Harmon; sister, Melody Harmon; and many other family and friends. On Saturday, August 25, at 1 P.M., a Mass of Christian Burial will be co-celebrated by The Rt. Rev. John Vaughan and The Rt. Rev. Clark Dorman at St. Patrick's Anglican Catholic Church, 4797 Curtis Blvd., in Port St. John, FL. Following the Mass and Burial, a reception will be in Dorman Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the church building fund, (office A.C.) or VITAS Hospice, 323 So. Washington Ave., Titusville, FL 32796. |
Thomas Graddy II October 29, 1945 - June 7, 2012 Ray Thomas "Tom" Graddy, II, 66, formerly of Sebring, Florida, passed away Thursday, June 7, 2012, in Port Orange, Florida. He was born in Sebring on October 29, 1945, to Ray T. and Elizabeth Beery (Rogers) Graddy, now deceased. He graduated from Sebring High School in 1963, received his AA from Edison Junior College and attended the University of Florida. He earned the FCC First Class Radiotelephone license in 1970. Tom was active in Sebring High School Chorus and the First Christian Church Choir. His passion was music and radio and his vocal qualities served him well in his radio/TV career, from announcer at local radio stations WJCM-AM 1050, WSEB-AM 1340, Sebring, WELE-AM 1590 in South Daytona, in the late 1960s, and WIPC-AM 1280 in Lake Wales, in the early 1980s. His television career included WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, and WSVI-TV in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Survivors include his sister, Nancy Graddy of Norfolk, VA; sister and brother-in-law,, Susan and Charles Patrick of Escondido, CA; brother, Robert Graddy of San Diego, CA and nephews Aaron Crumpler, Carson Patrick and Bryan Patrick. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 15, 2012, at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Sebring. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by graveside service at Pinecrest Cemetery in Sebring. |
Jerry Richard Hughes, 62 of Lakeland, died June 1, 2012 due to heart failure. Jerry was born May 17, 1950 in Huntsville, AL to Hugh and Mary (McCullough) Hughes, Sr. and moved to Lakeland in 1973 coming from Forest, MS. Jerry began his radio career at the age of 4 and owned Radio Station WWAB 1330AM. Jerry was best known for his nationally syndicated radio show "Straight Talk" which could be heard Monday through Friday 2-5pm on the Accent Radio Network. Jerry was formerly known as radio personality "Brother Love" in the 1970s on WWAB. In the mid 90s, Jerry founded the "Monday Night Group" here in Lakeland – a group of concerned citizens who discussed political topics each and every Monday for over a decade. Jerry is preceded in death by his mother, Mary. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; his son, Richard (Shannon) Hughes of Lakeland; his father, Hugh (Pam) Hughes, Sr. of Lakeland; his sister, June Crousore of Arden, NC ; his grandson, Gavin Hughes of Lakeland and his canine buddy, Panzer. | ||
Paul Resnik RESNIK, MR. PAUL L., age 63 passed quietly with his family at his side on May 27, 2012. He was preceded by his parents Mae and Julian Resnik and Sister Sharon Resnik of New Haven, CT. He is survived by his wife Susan of Orange City, FL; daughter Rebecca Ann of Naples, FL and son Joseph Henry Louis of Jacksonville, FL. His father in law Mr. Henry Archacki of Farmington, CT; in laws Elaine and Brad Magrey of Southington, CT; Nancy and William Jones of Plantsville, CT; Melissa Roback of San Francisco, CA and Michael and Mae Archacki of New Hartford, CT. His nieces and nephews Erica and Collin Cunningham; Aaron and Jessica Magrey; Victoria, Devon, Alexander and Samantha Jones; Emily and Mae Archacki. His first cousins: Robert and Kathy Shankman of New Jersey; Murielle Smith of New York and Judith and Stewart Epstein of West Palm Beach, FL. Paul was employed by the Symantec Corporation for the past 16 years. He was a Senior Multimedia Producer of educational training programs for the company. Previous to his career in the Computer Software Industry, Paul was in Radio Broadcasting for 26 years. Paul was one of those outrageous characters from Radios Days of Top 40 & Rock & Roll Radio. Paul was best known in Radio by the air names of "Eddie Haskell" and "Cash Sunshine". Paul's was one of the Originals 5 at WMMO(-FM 98.9) from 1989-1995. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his name to the Stewart Marchman ACT Foundation in Daytona Beach, FL or the American Lung Association. The Lohman Funeral Home at 935 New York Ave, Deland, FL is in charge of funeral arrangements. |
Rowan John S. Rowan, Sr., age 74, of Mims, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1938. John was a broadcast engineer for the WPGS radio station. He loved CB Radios and electronics. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife; Rachel Rowan, Mims, Fl: daughter, Rebecca Rowan, Mims, Fl: son, John S. Rowan Jr. (Cari Haas), Mims, Fl: grandson, Levi Rowan and sister, Janet R. O' Connell, Pasadena, Maryland. A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Newcomer Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, Titusville, Fl. Read more about Jay here. |
Titterington |
Radio Veteran Trish
Anderson Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - Saturday, April 7, 2012 Author: Wayne K. Roustan Staff writer A voice familiar to most Florida radio listeners for nearly four decades has fallen silent. Patricia "Trish" Anderson died of breast and bone cancer March 31 while in hospice care in Fort Lauderdale, her family said. She was 54. Born in Waukegan, Ill., on Oct. 8, 1957, her family characterized her as a survivor. Ms. Anderson was struck by a drunken driver while she was a passenger on a motorcycle at age 16 and was back in the drum corps at school a year after spending time in a body cast and physical therapy. The experience motivated her to seek a sports medicine degree on a tennis scholarship and massage therapist certification later in life. She also studied music at Florida State University. "I remember having a talk with her and [asking] her, 'What do you really want to do? What's in your heart?' " sister Sally Mishkin said. "And she said, 'I really want to go into radio.' So I said, 'Well, OK, go for it.' " Ms. Anderson launched her radio career 36 years ago in Daytona Beach (at WELE-AM 1380 in 1976) and ended up in South Florida, where she produced radio shows, voiced commercials, did interviews, reported news, covered sports and did traffic reports for radio stations that included WIOD and WINZ. Ms. Anderson also was involved in a number of causes and charities raising money and awareness for AIDS, cancer and other terminal illnesses. "We are going to celebrate her strength, her determination and her life," niece Ruth Cuzan said. "She didn't want us to mourn her; she didn't want this to be a somber occasion. She wanted this to be a remembrance, and more of a party." A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 14 at the First Congregational Church of Florida, 2501 NE 30th St., Fort Lauderdale. |
Dennis Posted on WRCB-TV.com Chattanooga native Dennis Glab, known to radio listeners as Allen Dennis died Wednesday, March 14, at his home in Red Bank, TN. His brother Bob Glab says Dennis died of natural causes, and was 68 years old. He had been in poor health for several years. Dennis was a top radio personality during a career that spanned more than four decades, beginning when he was a teen in the late 1950s at WHOO-AM 990. Starting out in Chattanooga at WRIP and WMOC, he moved on to cities including Nashville, Pittsburgh, Knoxville, Huntsville, Birmingham and Orlando, returning at various times to Nashville and Chattanooga. In the 1970s and 80s he was best known in Chattanooga as a top-40 deejay for WGOW and WDXB, and in Nashville on WKDA and WMAK, later working country radio at WSM. He retired to the Chattanooga area several years ago to help care for his mother, who preceded him in death. He was recently a nominee for induction into the new Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. Armed with a quick wit and pleasing radio voice, Dennis was a natural for morning drive time listeners. He created numerous contests and promotions, designed to grab the attention of his audience. Dennis's brother said his body would be cremated, and no memorial service is planned at this time. He is survived by his brother, and several nieces and nephews. |
Sarner, loving mother, Nana, and Community leader passed
away on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. She will be missed by her children Karen
McDonough, Dirk Sarner, and Kimberly Sarner, and her grandchildren,
Christi, Robert, Patrick, Reenie, and Kurt. Funeral Services will be
held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park on Monday,
Jan. 30, 2012 at 3:30pm. Please no flowers, all donations will go to the
All Saints Healing Ministry per her request. Published in the Orlando Sentinel on January 28, 2012 Ms. Sarner, was born to a Mexican mother and a German father in Honduras, raised in Brazil and educated in California. Prior to joining WLOF-AM 950 in 1966, Nickie worked for the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. She was the first woman, as well as the first Hispanic, to hold a management position in the Orlando area broadcast media. When Mexico City suffered severe earthquake damage 1985, she began a a campaign for medical supplies for the victims. She also helped to start the Orlando Metropolitan Urban League, the National Council of Christians and Jews and CrimeLine. While at WCPX, she began an annual Christmas party for the children at Great Oaks Village, a shelter for abused and abandoned children. In 1989 Sarner went to work at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. She retired from the Sheriff's Office in 1999. For more on Nickie's TV career see Roger Simmons.com |
courtesy of Dave Edwards Published in the Orlando Sentinel on December 4, 2011 VAUGHT, FRANK F., 81, passed peacefully at the V.A. community living center in Winter Park, FL on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, after a long battle of post esophageal cancer complications. Mr. Vaught is survived by sons Michael, Nashville, TN, Anthony, Cibolo, TX, Joseph, Orlando, FL, Patrick, Orlando, FL; two grandchildren, Preston and Gavin, sons of Anthony and Laura Vaught. Mr. Vaught was preceded in death by his first wife JoAnna, mother to Michael, Tony and Mr. Vaught's late daughter Karen. Born Feb. 19, 1930 in Williamson, VA, Vaught grew up and graduated high school in Huntington, WV. Vaught played baseball with the St. Louis farm system in Winston Salem, NC. He enlisted in the Army, 82nd Airborne Division and served from 1947 through 1958; Korean War Veteran and Marshall Island Operation Red Wing Veteran; witness to 17 Atomic bomb tests. Frank began his broadcasting career in Huntington, got a call from Channel 2 in Daytona Beach in 1958, and moved here to start his TV. broadcasting career. Soon after 2, Channel 6 in Orlando hired Vaught where he was mostly in the role of sports broadcasting, on the news morning, noon and night for 16 years. He organized and hosted charity golf tournaments and was noted for his attention to local schools and athletics. Frank took his voice to the radio too, broadcasting at WKIS(-AM 740), WHOO(-AM 990), the Gator Football network games and (WHTQ-FM 96.5) Q96. Vaught was inducted into the Florida Citrus Bowl hall of fame, media category. In Vaught's later career, he guided J and V Communications toward broadcasting the NBA's Orlando Magic games in Spanish in Orlando radio. Frank had a passion for golf, helping others, great laughs, a/v equipment and watching baseball, basketball and all other sports. A public memorial service for Frank Vaught will be December 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. at All Faiths, 4901 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32806. Mr. Vaught will be receiving full military honors on the 13th of December, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. |
Gross John B. Gross, 53, of Winter Park, Fl. passed away on October 31, 2011. John was born on July 8, 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (John had been operating WLOQ-FM 103.1 until the sale of the station.) He is survived by his wife Sue Kain; son Hunter Gross; brother Jim Gross; parents Herbert and Margaret Gross. Arrangements by Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home Goldenrod Chapel, 7520 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL. 32792. Interment will be Nov. 3 at 9:30AM at Palm Cemetery in Winter Park with the funeral service following at 10:30AM at the Faith United Methodist Church of Winter Park. |
P. "Nick" Farinella Sr.
Published in Florida Today June 1, 2011 Nicholas P. "Nick" Farinella, Sr., 76, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2011. He was born in Trenton, N.J. He has been a resident of Cocoa Beach since 1960 when he came here with the Boeing Program. Nick started WXBR -FM 101.1 and was also in the automotive business for twenty years. He had three tennis and sport shops, and then became broker-owner of Century 21-Camelot Realty. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughter, Donna and husband, Lou Linden; son, Nick, Jr. and wife, Kevin Hill Farinella; grandson, Garrett Bell; brother, Paul Farinella; and sister, Josephine Farina. |
H. Hill Published in the Bainbridge Post-Searchlight Fri, Sep 16, 2011 The funeral service for Joe H. Hill, 84, of Bainbridge, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Medley, Rev. Tom Shields, and Dr. Danny Shepard officiating, and will conclude at the church. Interment will be at Oak City Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Baraca Sunday School Class. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at Ivey Funeral Home. Mr. Hill was born Aug. 17, 1927, in Bainbridge, the son of William A. Hill and Cora B. Hill. He passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, at Bainbridge Health Care. He graduated from Tifton High School, attended the University of Georgia and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Hill was a former member of the Bainbridge Rotary Club, Bainbridge Lions Club, Georgia Association of Broadcasters, V.F.W. Post 4904, and American Legion Post 62. He was a past director of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, past director of the Committee of 100 for Industry, past chairman of the Decatur County Democratic Party, and past president of the Bainbridge Touchdown Club. He began his career in radio in 1947 with WKTG in Thomasville, and from 1950 to 1984 he was associated with WDVH(-AM 980) in Gainesville, Fla., and WMGR, WAZA, and WYSE in Bainbridge. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Baraca Sunday School Class. Mr. Hill was preceded in death by his brothers, William B. Hill and Jimmy Hill; and his sister, Quida Campbell. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Doris T. Hill of Bainbridge; his sons, Joe H. Hill, Jr. of Watkinsville, Ga. and Ronnie J. Hill of Lexington Park, Md.; and his granddaughters, Holly R. Hill, Ansley L. Hill and Kaylin R. Hill. Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. |
Harris Loses His Battle With Kidney Cancer Scott Harris has died from kidney cancer this morning. He was born Vincent McGough. Scott was a graduate of Edgewater High School and the University of Central Florida. Survivors include a son, Emery McGough, and three siblings: Jane McGough of New York City, Sue McGough of Central Florida and Tom McGough of Tallahassee. Details of a memorial service have not yet been announced. |
Bob Church
Passes |
Nickell |
Samansky Mark Stephen Samansky, 59, of Westminster. Beloved Husband of Karen (Yannacito) Samansky. Son of Phyllis Samansky. Brother of Ronda (Mike) Gengler. Son-in-law of Josephine "Jody" Yannacito. Brother-in-law of John Yannacito and James Yannacito. Uncle of Chelsea Davis, Chris Gengler, Michael and Jared Yannacito. Funeral Mass Friday, 10AM, Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 3549 Navajo Street. Memorial contributions suggested to Volunteers of America, 2660 Larimer Street, Denver 80205. |
Ralph William "Bill"
Carson Bill Carson was born April 24, 1960 in Tehran, Iran, died March 2, 2011. Bill was the father of two children, Joseph W. Carson, and Kristina Carson, both of Coral Springs. Bill became interested in radio as a student at Oak Ridge High in Orlando. When he was a Junior he had "Green and Gold Radio" on the air. He went on to become a popular DJ on several local radio stations including WGTO-AM 540 and WDBO-AM 580. Bill is survived by his children, his mother, Marilyn and father Eugene of Barefoot Bay, FL: sisters, Maria Goss, Elizabeth Owens, Carla Carson, Carrie Carson a two nieces Andrea and Emily Day all of Orlando. |
H. "Bill" Stamper
By Nicole A. Willis, Orlando Sentinel Bill Stamper talked for a living as a sports announcer and talk-show host for WDBO-AM 580, but he also had other talents his listeners may not have known about. He was an accomplished singer and bowler and an amateur poet, and he did impressions, too. "He had an excellent and varied skill set," said his son, Bill, who then attempted to do his father's Count Dracula impression. The younger Bill said his father's impressions sometimes made their way onto his radio show. Stamper, of Orlando, died Tuesday of heart failure. He was 88. Stamper sang in churches throughout his life, including the Reformation Lutheran Church in Orlando, where he was a member. He gave singing lessons in his native Philadelphia before moving to Orlando in the early 1960s. A job offer from WDBO brought Stamper and his family to Central Florida. With a combined 46 years on the air in Philadelphia, Jackson, Miss., and Orlando, Stamper reported on local and national sports with panache and expertise, said broadcasters who remembered him. He served as WDBO's sports director from 1967 until his retirement in 1991, and for most of the 1970s he was co-host of a sports call-in show. Starting in 1980, he delivered WDBO's morning "drive time" sports reports, his own commentaries and live reports from events such as the Tangerine Bowl, now the Capital One Bowl. Stamper was a radio broadcaster when radio meant more to sports lovers, said Wayne Weinberg, former news director of WDBO. Before the Internet and smart phones, people relied more on radio for scores. "He was absolutely brilliant," Weinberg said. "He was to the newsroom what Wikipedia is today." Scott Anez, the current WDBO sports director, filled Stamper's shoes when he retired. During the year before his departure, Stamper took Anez to practices at high schools, UCF and Rollins College and introduced him to key sources. "He was the greatest mentor I could've had," Anez said. "It [radio] is a biz that can weigh you down some, but he always had an encouraging word and smile." What pushed Stamper to retire was his aversion to waking up early. His job required him to get up at 3:30 a.m. every weekday. "He used to have an electric shaver waiting for him at his desk, and we'd hear it going off and on in between him typing on his typewriter," Anez said. Stamper passed along his passion for sports to his three children-especially to his oldest son, Bill, who coached the Oak Ridge High School girls track and field team for 31 years. Christopher and Robin, Stamper's two younger sons, live in Orlando and are sports aficionados as well. Christopher, a physical therapy assistant, is a football and basketball fan. Robin, who followed in his father's musical footsteps and earned his master's in piano from the Julliard School, likes professional tennis. "He was our biggest fan," the younger Bill said. Stamper also is survived by his wife, Blanche; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A Community Funeral Home & Sunset Cremations, Orlando, is handling funeral arrangements. Copyright © 2011, Orlando Sentinel |
(Hank) Burdick Henry (Hank) Burdick known by his listeners as "Hank O'Neal" died at La Conte medical center near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee while vacationing with friends. A resident of Winter Haven, Florida; Hank died January 15th, 2011 from complications related to congestive heart failure. Hank was born September 13th, 1938 at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan he joined the Marines and served for three years before being discharged. His career behind the microphone started in 1967 at WPGC, Washington DC followed by several radio stations in the Detroit area including WJBK, CKLW, WHND and WWWW. His last stint on the air was in 1992 in Traverse City, Michigan at WCCW where he "retired" before moving to Winter Haven. After his "retirement" and move to Winter Haven, Hank worked mornings at WHNR-AM 1360 from 1993-1994. Henry Hagamen Burdick is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Burdick) Bunch and granddaughter, Erica of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Jodi (Burdick) Collier of Paris, Texas; son, Scott Burdick of Auburn Hills, Michigan; son, Matthew Burdick of Waterford, Michigan; daughter, Jennifer (Burdick) Olson, grandson, Jacob and granddaughter, Isabel of Buckley, Michigan. He is also survived by Sister, Joanne Groves and Brother, Thomas Burdick. A Memorial Service is being planned for April, 2011 near Traverse City, Michigan. |
Hazelwood Dec.
1, 2010 Mr. George Andrew Hazelwood, 80, 1909 University drive, Orlando died Wednesday. Born in Illinois, he moved t Orlando from Jacksonville in 1940. He was past owner of WJNO(-AM 1290), West Palm Beach, WLOF(-AM 950), Orlando and WJAX-AM 1220, Jacksonville. He was Sales Manager for P & N Auto Parts in Orlando. Survivor: wife, Mrs. Kathryn Hazelwood, Orlando. |
Carole Smock Carole Smock (Faulkingham) 76 of Orlando, passed away Sept. 28, 2010. An advertising Manager for WHOO-AM 990, WLOF-AM 950 and WLOQ-FM 103.1 radio stations. She was on the Board of Directors for International Fund for Animal Welfare. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, James D.; daughter Susan (Rob Blair) of Orlando; grandson Byron (Alisha); sister Marilyn (Martin) Viator; nephew Martin; niece Joan of Gloucester, MA; niece Carole (Trish) of Revere, MA. Carole is predeceased by her parents Berton and Mary, and a nephew Raymond Viato. She also leaves dear friends Inger and Sally, and dog Sable. |
George Crossley The Daytona Beach News-Journal By Mark Harper, Staff Writer Radio talk show host George Crossley, a one-time televangelist whose 1997 conviction in a failed murder-for-hire plot gained national attention, has died. From his involvement as a civil-rights activist to his conservative commentaries and imprisonment, Crossley's biography covered a wide swath of American history spanning the last five decades. He was 69. "He was a unique individual," said Orlando attorney Donald Lykkebak, who at one time represented Crossley but better remembers him as a friend. "He was always trying to help somebody else. That was consistent." His death was announced by radio station officials Thursday, a day after he collapsed in the lobby. But information about when he died was not available. Starting in the 1960s as a civil-rights activist and union organizer, the longtime Deltona resident later found his faith in the 1970s. He was ordained as a Baptist minister and became an outspoken conservative talk-show host on both radio and television stations starting in the 1980s. But in 1997, he was convicted of trying to arrange the murder of his ex-mistress' husband and served nearly three years at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford. After his release, he worked to help restore ex-cons' voting rights and eventually rose to become president of the Central Florida American Civil Liberties' Union. Following that, he founded CopWatch, an organization devoted to arriving at crime scenes, videotaping and witnessing officers' actions in an attempt to battle heavy-handed police tactics. Crossley's wife, Agnes, died at age 80 in 2008. After his release from prison in 2001, he discussed his conviction, calling it a "stupid, senseless act," in an interview with The News-Journal. He had begged for his wife's forgiveness. "I said, 'I blew it. It was my fault. I've sinned against you and I ask you to forgive me,' "Crossley said, noting that she had. More recently, he had returned to radio. He was preparing to go on the air just before his 6 p.m. shift Wednesday at "Big 810," WEUS-AM in Altamonte Springs, when he collapsed in the lobby, said the station's co-owner Carmine Tutera. "He was a friend to people who needed a friend," Tutera said. "I think (his radio show) was his whole life. The radio was not just his work, it was why he existed." |
John Kluge Dead At 95 John Kluge, (pronounced KLOOG-ee) once listed as the wealthiest man in America, who built an investment in a radio station into a broadcasting empire that was the forerunner to Fox Television, has died. He was 95. Born in Chemnitz, Germany, in September of 1914. Kluge was President of Mid-Florida Radio Corporation from 1952-1959. Mid-Florida purchased WLOF-AM 950 in 1952. |
Dick Westervelt The Voice of Stetson Baseball Passes Richard (Dick) Westervelt, age 85, of DeLand, Florida passed away on Monday, September 6th of congestive heart failure at the Hospice of Volusia County in Orange City, Florida. Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Dick moved to DeLand in 1953 with his wife, Wilda and went to work at WJBS-AM 1490 radio (owned at the time by Stetson University). He went on to work for the DeLand Sun News as its Managing Editor and then to First Federal of Mid-Florida (later to become Empire of America) as a Senior Vice President. Dick rejoined his first employer, Stetson University, in 1984 working in the Athletic Department as the Sports Information Director. After his retirement in 1994, he continued to broadcast Stetson sporting events (as well as many DeLand High School Football games) as the play by play announcer as he had since 1953. He retired from his broadcasting duties following the baseball season in 2005. Dick was most proud of his 55 year association with Stetson, especially his work in the athletic department as the radio voice of Stetson baseball for over 3 decades. He was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church since 1956, and over the years was involved in countless community activities serving with the DeLand Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, DeLand Lions Club, American Red Cross, and the March of Dimes. He was one of the founding members of the DeLand Babe Ruth League and served for 20 years as a coach, director and umpire in both the Babe Ruth and Little Leagues of DeLand. Dick was predeceased by his father, Andrew Westervelt, his mother, Marion Westervelt, his daughter, Christine Westervelt and daughter-in-law, Kathy Westervelt. Dick is survived by his wife, Wilda Westervelt; son, Andy of Batesville, Ark.; son, John and his wife, Vicki of Jonesboro, Ga.; and three grandchildren, Chris, Sarah and Alex. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 10:00 A.M. at the Trinity United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donate if you wish to your favorite charity or donations can be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church - Building Fund. The address is 306 West Wisconsin Ave., DeLand, FL 32720. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lankford Funeral Home of DeLand (386-734-2244). |
Mickie Edwardson dies; helped found WUFT-FM The former professor worked at WUFT-TV, helped start the radio station and was a film critic for The Sun By Nathan Crabbe Staff writer Published: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:01 a.m. A retired University of Florida journalism professor, who started at UF's (The University of Florida's) public television station in its early years and helped launch the university's public radio station, has died. Mickie Edwardson, 80, died Saturday in Gainesville following complications from an accident. She retired in 1994 after 38 years with UF but continued to stay involved with the College of Journalism and Communications and the radio station as a contributor and fundraiser. "She was a great friend. She was a mentor to students and faculty for many decades," said Dave Ostroff, chairman of the college's department of telecommunication. Edwardson started as a producer-director at WUFT-TV soon after it began in 1958 and programmed classical music for WRUF-FM 103.7 before working toward the creation of the university's public radio station, WUFT-FM 89.1. Sid Pactor, who was a student of hers in the 1960s and later a colleague on the journalism faculty, said she was very demanding as a teacher and dissertation adviser but also fair and kind. "Students sort of lived in fear of her, but I think it was mostly a bluff," he said. Edwardson also served as a film critic for The Gainesville Sun. She was a big opera fan and after she retired helped WUFT-FM raise money during opera programming. "She was always a very, very strong supporter of classical music, especially the opera," said Henri Pensis, a former station manager. She continued to stay involved with the college after her retirement. She contributed financially toward student documentaries after the budget was cut for the Documentary Institute and helped pay for a trip to Haiti for a documentary student after the university restricted the use of its funding because a ban on travel there. "Her intellect, her curiosity was just boundless," said Churchill Roberts, co-director of the institute. She established an endowed scholarship at the college in memory of James Lawrence Fly, a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and director of the American Civil Liberties Union, who was a subject of her research. She also volunteered for local United Nations and League of Women Voters groups and mentored at Westwood Middle School. "She was ahead of her time in terms of women's rights and free speech," said Elizabeth Allen, her stepdaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Edwardson, a professor in UF's agronomy department. Copyright © 2010 Gainesville.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only. |
D. Kimble: He Had A Lifelong Love Of Music April 25, 2010 By Eloísa Ruano González, Orlando Sentinel Walter D. Kimble was a lucky man — he spent nearly a century doing what he loved: playing the organ. His mother was an organist and taught him to play when he was 4; he got his first part-time job as an organ player for a Titusville theater at 16. He would play the Wurlitzer organ during silent films, which also featured the sounds of castanets, snare drums and train whistles. Kimble of Winter Park met his wife while playing at one of his concerts, also partially supporting the two of them by giving private piano and organ lessons until he was 70. He also performed at nightclubs, joined a radio station as a staff organist, and had a 15-minute show on Orlando's first television station. Kimble, who began his full-time music career on WDBO-AM 580 radio, died on Wednesday. He was 97. "He never made a lot of money, but he loved what he did," his son, Bob Kimble, 62, of Altamonte Springs said. Kimble, born in Philadelphia, received degrees in music from Rollins College and the University of Michigan. He became the organist at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park, United Church of Christ in the late 1950s after playing at several other churches in downtown Orlando. He stayed on for 36 years. "He was most proud of being an organist at the church," his son said. Kimble helped install the church's pipe organ in 1965. The pipe organ was his favorite instrument. He compared the elaborate instrument to a Cadillac, and he needed a ladder to climb up to fix the pipes. He played during choir rehearsals, weddings, memorial services and Sunday worship. In a 1993 interview with the Sentinel, Kimble said "I don't like to brag, but… I've probably not missed more than four regular church services in the 36 years and the same number of rehearsals." "It was very tiring," said his daughter-in-law Julie Kimble, 60. He left the organ bench in the mid-90s after his doctor recommended he retire to take care of his health. But he never quit his music, performing for his grandchildren. And he could play any style of music — from classical to dance to rock. Married for 72 years, he frequently played at home for his wife, Hallie. When the couple had to move into the Winter Park Towers, an assisted-living community, Kimble made sure to bring a keyboard, filling the apartment with music while his wife drew. She died in January, which was a big blow to her husband. Kimble played her favorite song, "The Twelfth of Never," for the last time at a memorial service at the Towers about a week ago. "His love for music, I think that is what kept him going this long," Julie Kimble said. "He played all the time and he played every day." Survivors also include two grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Altamonte Springs is in charge of arrangements. |
Courtright April
3, 2010 Times Reporter - New Philadelphia, OH James Kent "Ken" Courtright will be remembered as a master of the spoken word in a rich, baritone, authoritative voice. Courtright, age 74, of New Philadelphia died peacefully early Saturday evening, April 3, 2010, in Union Hospital at Dover in a room which overlooked the WJER radio station where his broadcasting career began. A son of the late William Ellsworth Courtright and Edith Marta (Vogley) Courtright Fankhauser, Ken was born at Dover, O., on Oct. 26, 1935. He was proud of his Swiss heritage being the first generation of his family to have been born in America. In the mid 1950s, Ken began his radio career with WJER 1450 AM at Dover where he had been influenced by the radio coverage of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and the work of Carl Reese. In 1958, Ken relocated to Cleveland and began working for WERE 1300 AM and was also hired to present the news on KYW 1100 AM. Later, he was given the position as the News Director at WCUE 1150 AM at Akron. In 1965, Ken returned to KYW 1100 AM and stayed there after the call letters were changed to WKYC. Long after his departure, Ken's unique tone was still heard for EBS alert testing and the Sunday evening "sign-offs." Ken served as the news director for WJW 850 AM and also held news positions with WSLR 1350 (Akron, O.), WQKT (Wooster, O.), WGAR 1220 AM (Cleveland), WKIS(-AM 740) (Orlando, Fla.), WBGB(-AM) 1580 (Mount Dora, Fla.), WCER 900 AM (Canton, O.), WDBN, 94.9 (Medina, O.) and ultimately spent 27 years with the Tuscarawas Broadcasting Co. where he was the News Director for WBTC 1540 AM and served as a news anchor for WNPQ 95.9 FM. It was with WBTC that Ken would originate the well-known morning program, "Dial and Deal". In 1990, Ken would again return to the airwaves of 1100 AM, now WTAM, and would present the news for a fifth decade on one Cleveland radio frequency. Throughout his career, Ken covered some well-known news stories in Northeast O., including the Sam Shepherd Trial, the Kent State shootings and the Ashby Leach hostage drama. Ken met many celebrities and politicians throughout his career, favorites being Don and Phil Everly, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Vail, Doris Day, Tina Louise, Gina Lollobrigida, Jayne Mansfield, Sophia Loren, Edward Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Among his favorite stories is the time Tab Hunter (at the height of his popularity) hid in the back of Ken's car to avoid throngs of screaming fans. Ken left a legacy within the Northeast Ohio broadcasting industry, one that has spanned more than 45 years. Ken's voice can still be heard from time to time doing PSA commercials, and top of the hour news intros for some radio stations, as well as sign-on and sign-off spots. Ken leaves behind a loving family which includes four sons, Alan (Mary) Courtright of Medina, Sean (Peggy) Courtright of Wooster, Les Middleton, Jeffrey (Leah) Courtright of Virginia Beach, Va.; three daughters, Ellen Kay Courtright of Lakewood, Julie (Wilson) Haugh of Lorain, and Jillian Courtright of Cleveland; and a former wife, Debra Durham Courtright of Vermilion. Completing Ken's family are five grandchildren, James, Emily, Olivia, Cady, and Evan, as well as one great-granddaughter, Mary. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by a son, Robin Lee Courtright; a brother, Bill Courtright; a sister, Charlotte Allenbaugh; and his stepfather, Gordon Fankhauser, and his first wife, Linette Dickey Courtright Boles. The family will receive friends on Wednesday (today), April 7, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia and again one hour prior to services. Ken's longtime colleague and friend from the Tuscarawas Broadcasting Co., Mr. Kevin Baker, will lead a memorial service celebrating Ken's life in the funeral home's chapel on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at 2 p.m. Inurnment will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Those unable to attend may send personal condolences to Ken's family by signing the online guest registry located on the funeral home's Web site. The family requests that memorial contributions in Ken's name be directed to the Baseball Heritage Museum, Colonial Marketplace Arcade, 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, O. 44115 or the Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio, 3380 Tremont Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. |
Robert Morton Weeks |
Martin Young Published: March 31. 2010 4:00AM PST Bend Bulletin Oct. 21, 1952 - March 27, 2010 After an 8-month battle with cancer, David Martin Young passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2010, in Bend, OR. He was 57 years old. A funeral service will be held at Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home on Friday, April 2, at 3:30 pm. Their will be a reception following the service at a private residence. David was born Oct. 21, 1952, in St. Louis, MO, to parents, Martin and Cecilia Young. David received an Electrical Engineer Degree from the University of MO. On May 5, 1978, David married Nancy S. Bean in Godfrey, IL. They had a loving marriage of 31 years. The marriage produced one daughter, Jessica L. Young, 24 years old. David was a very smart and talented man. His passions included electrical design, electrical engineering, broadcast engineering and the performing arts. He shared his brains and skills with many companies over the years such as, McDonnell Douglas Corp., Sperry Corp., Harris Corp., Murphy Lighting Systems and Bend Radio Group. David also owned Theatre Support Systems of Orlando, FL. David also worked as an engineer at WLOQ-FM 103.1. David has many former coworkers across the nation who miss him greatly. David was admired by many for having a brilliant brain. He was constantly thinking of ways to improve and fix things. David's friends and family loved him dearly for always lending a hand to help out no matter how great or small the task was. Those closest to him also admired his unique sense of humor. David was proud of his ability to always come up with witty comments. David is survived by his wife, Nancy Young; and daughter, Jessica Young, who both reside in Bend, OR. David was an amazing man and will be missed by all who knew him. The family has placed their trust in Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home for the final arrangements. Please visit our website www.niswonger-reynolds.com to sign our electronic guest register for the family. |
Martin Timmer Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on March 7, 2010 Martin J. Timmer, Jr., age 92, died on March 4, 2010 at Wellington by the Sea. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Marie Timmer, also, brothers, Arthur and Bill Timmer. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Geraldine (Geri) Timmer; daughter, Nancy Rodriguez; son Martin; four grandchildren; stepdaughter, Laura Brugnetti; and sister, Anne Higgs. After graduating from Hope College he served 4 years in the Army during World War II. He retired from the H. J. Heinz Company after working 30 years in Chicago as District Manager. After retiring he later worked for WSBB-AM 1230 in the sales department. He was an avid golfer and a member of Tomoka Oaks Country Club. Memorial donations may be made to Florida Hospital Hospice, 770 W. Granada Blvd., Suite # 304, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. |
Dead At 90
Gene Chenault, who with Bill Drake (who died in November of 2008) headed Drake-Chenault Enterprises, died on Tuesday, Feb. 23. He was 90 years old. Chenault and Drake began their partnership in 1962, when Chenault offered Drake the opportunity to program two of his California stations, KYNO in Fresno and KSTN in Stockton. After both stations rocketed to number one, Drake-Chenault Enterprises was formed and went on to take KGB in San Diego to the top of the ratings and launch the legendary Boss Radio on KHJ Los Angeles. By the 1960s Drake-Chenault became a hugely successful company, with hundreds of client stations, offering full-time formats, sales, consulting, and special features including The History of Rock and Roll. Jones Radio Networks purchased the company in 1985. Thanks to Mark Williams for this link to Gene's obituary as it appeared in the L.A. Times |
David Marcello Jr. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office reported that a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle near the intersection of State Road A1A and Grant Avenue Thursday night, February 19, in Cape Canaveral. David was known as Surfer Dave, doing weekends at WJRR-FM 101.1. |
Nick Pfeifauf Former WESH anchor Pfeifauf dies in his sleep Orlando Sentinel December 12, 2009
W. Pfeifauf
thrived in the
limelight. He was a DJ for a Sanford radio station and anchored the
evening news and hosted a morning show for a Central Florida news
station. Pfeifauf of Osteen joined the WESH-Channel
2 news team in the mid-1960s as a
cameraman when he left the Sanford radio station WTRR(-AM
1400) after 10 years. He
quickly landed a seat as the television station's evening news
anchorman, transforming into a local celebrity of sorts.
Pfeifauf died Friday after suffering a heart attack. He was 77. "He
was a major part of the community," daughter Donna
Chamberlin of DeBary said. Her
father eventually climbed the ranks to become the station's vice
president for research and development. Toward the end of his 26-year
career at WESH, he moved away from the hard news to host the
early morning show, "Two's Country". Similar to the popular David
Letterman show, Pfeifauf had
bands perform on the show and interviewed a variety of guests. "He
would have local programming on whatever was hot or whatever was
not," Chamberlin, 46, explained. After WESH, Pfeifauf joined the staff of the Sanford
Herald, covering local
government and general assignments. He retired in 2005. Pfeifauf, who
was born in Detroit, was better known for his own music. At 16, he
started a dance band, Star Lighters. When the U.S. Navy stationed him in
Central Florida, Pfeifauf, who played the keyboard, brought the tones
with him. Even though he hosted a country music show, the tones weren't
his favorite, said his wife Eloise
Pfeifauf, 73. He liked the
upbeat, peppy dance rhythms. He often performed dance music at
nightclubs, weddings and charity events in Central Florida. "Had he
not been such a family man, he could have done more with music. He could
have gone on tour," his wife said. His biggest thrill, though, was
being a father. The day his eldest daughter was born, Pfeifauf left the WTRR radio station ecstatic and in a hurry. He
climbed into the wrong car and it wasn't until he arrived at the
hospital in Sanford that he realized he wasn't driving his car,
Chamberlin said.
Pfeifauf met his wife at a dance where he was the performer. She was a
senior in high school and in a singing-trio. And he was smitten. Days
after the dance, Pfeifauf attended a Christmas concert at her high
school in which she was performing. After searching for her last name on
the concert program, he called every single "Snyder" listed in
the phone book until he found her. "He was quite a romantic,"
his wife said. They went on their first date on New Year's Day 1954. By
New Year's Eve the same year, the couple married. Even after 54 years,
she said the romance never faded. On his last night on earth, Pfeifauf
kissed his wife and told her twice he loved her before he slipped away
in his sleep. Survivors also include daughter Linda
Barnhart of Lake Mary; son Kenneth Pfeifauf of Orange City; six
grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral
Home is in charge of arrangements. Copyright ©
2009, Orlando
Andrews Obituary from the Orlando Sentinel, 11/17/09 Bob Andrews, age 81, of Leesburg, died Sunday, Nov. 15 at Hospice House in Tavares. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Liz Andrews; sons Robert, Jr. and Scott; daughters Lisa Morrison and Tina Jensen; step-sons Jim Yde and John Yde; step-daughter Karen Ozolonieks; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brothers Tom Andrews, Ormond Beach, and Bill Andrews; Bartow, and sister Alice Harden, Orlando. Bob was born in Eustis and graduated from Eustis High School. He served in the Coast Guard. He was well known in the radio industry in Central Florida for more than 60 years. He began his career at WLBE-AM 790 in Leesburg in 1947 and then worked at radio stations throughout the state. He returned to WLBE in 1980 where he served as host of the "Breakfast Club" until his retirement in August. A Memorial Service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Leesburg on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Reverend John Lodge officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob's name to Cornerstone Hospice or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com. Arrangement entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL. Biography |
Clay Daniels
He cherished that old-time country sound Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - Monday, October 19, 2009 Author: Jeff Kunerth, Sentinel Staff Writer In the 1970s, when country music competed with rock 'n' roll on the radio dial, Clay Daniels was the afternoon voice of WHOO-AM 990. Daniels, the son of an Alabama construction worker, joined the station in 1958 and was there when the station switched to rock in 1991. As a country DJ, Daniels had a silky voice, a Hee Haw sense of humor and a loyal following of listeners, who included a 24-year-old divorcee named Delight. "I thought he was the best-looking man I'd seen in my life," said Delight Daniels, 61, who first met Daniels after being the first caller to identify Kris Kristofferson as the person who wrote "For the Good Times." Clay Daniels died Saturday of cancer the day after he turned 72. During his radio days and long afterward, Daniels was lead singer and front man of the Clay Daniels Band. His singing style was reminiscent of Jim Reeves, said his wife of 29 years. "He had that golden gilt to his voice," she said. "He was so smooth and just effortless. He opened his mouth and the music came out." The Clay Daniels Band was often the opening act when country artists came to Orlando. Daniels opened for Marty Robbins, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr., his wife said. Whether performing at the Cheyenne Saloon or the Town Pump in Orlando, the 100th anniversary of Lockhart at Lockhart Elementary School or the Florida Sunshine Opry in Eustis, Daniels knew how to get the audience out of its seats and on to the dance floor. "He was always the entertainer. He kept the audience going," Delight Daniels said. In his later years, Daniels joined a couple of other friends to create The Three Amigos, who performed the "animal circuit" of Moose, Elk and Eagles lodges. Although Daniels appreciated other kinds of music, he remained true to country even after the genre departed from the roots of the Grand Ole Opry to the commercialized, pop-influenced performers of today. He liked Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson, but he preferred George Jones and Willie Nelson. "It was never as good as the good old days," she said. Through the years, Daniels was recognized by the Florida Country Music Association for his contributions as a DJ and performer, his wife said. But to her, Clay Daniels was never a bigger star than when he was on stage singing the Garth Brooks song "If Tomorrow Never Comes." He was singing to everyone, she said, but "he sang it right to me": And if my time on Earth were through, And she must face the world without me, Is the love I gave her in the past Gonna be enough to last? Besides his wife, Clay Daniels is survived by his son, Mitch Daniels of Montverde; daughters Michele Daniels of Evergreen, Ala., and Rachele Cumbie of Groveland; stepchildren Steven Smith of St. Cloud, Loree Reilly of Wellington and Jodie Pappenheim of Clermont; brother Burt Daniels of Foley, Ala.; sisters Bernice Lindsey of Mobile, Ala., and Louise Bond of Summerdale, Ala.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. |
Mike Lyons Michael G. Lyons, age 57 of Orlando, FL, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009.8 Michael is the son of Donald T. Lyons of Altamonte Springs and the late Gloria M. "Gerrard" Lyons. He is the brother of Douglas Lyons and his wife Julia Wooten of Seattle, WA; Deb Lyons and her husband Steve Jankowski of Belmar, NJ and John Lyons and his wife Helen of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by a nephew Felix Lyons of Seattle, WA and a niece Ashley Clark of Dothan, AL. Mike Lyons moved to Orlando from Kittery, Maine at a young age, graduating from Edgewater High School in 1970 He began his career in Orlando in 1971 writing for the city's first underground newspaper "The Watcher". He was Music Director and announcer for WORJ-FM 107.7, WDIZ-FM 100.3 and WHTQ-FM 96.5 in Orlando, Program Director for 98 Rock (WXTB) in Tampa and spent the last 8 years of his radio career as Mornings/Assistant Program Director in Miami. Mike entered the record business in the mid 90's. From 1995 - 2000 he was VP of AAA Promotions at Lee Arnold Marketing. Mike joined TripleARadio.com as columnist of The Forest and contributing editor from 2001. A private funeral service will be held. Contributions in Mike's name may be made to pancan.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245. |
James "Jay Baby"
Robinson James "Jay Baby" Robinson passed away peacefully at his home in Winter Park, FL on July 27, 2009 at the age of 69. Robinson was born in Perry, FL. Jay Baby grew up in an era historically known as "race music" and throughout his life he was a key figure in promoting R&B music artists throughout the state of Florida. As a young entrepreneur, he opened Jay's Records in Orlando, and along with Soul Train Record, Platter Shack and Jazzette's Music, these "mom and pop" retailers served the local community. Jay's Records provided a stage for the promotion of many great talents in their early careers, including James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Dionne Warwick, Buddy McKnight, Marvin Gaye, The Main Ingredient, Johnny Mathis, Ella Washington and many others. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Stewart Memorial A.M.E. 1107 W. Hampton Springs Road, Perry, FL at 2:00 pm. A public memorial service is also being planned in Orlando. |
Sommers Passes Annie Sommers (Mari Ann Sollom) has lost her hard fought battle with ovarian cancer on Monday, July 27. Annie worked in Orlando at WHTQ-FM 96.5, WOCL-FM 105.9, WHVE-FM 104.1, "Star 94.5" WCFB-FM 94.5 and WMMO-FM 98.9. Annie Sommers (Mari Ann Sollom) was that enthusiastic, warm and familiar voice heard on the air in many cities over the last 32 years. Annie has worked in almost every capacity in radio, from music director to program director and of course on-air talent. She started her long successful career in Minneapolis in 1977, and has been entertaining listeners in Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Pensacola and Sarasota. One of her signature shows was the widely popular "Sunday Acoustic Brunch", which she created and aired in Orlando, Tampa Bay and Sarasota. In the course of her career, she worked with many famous artists and was a big supporter of local music artists. She also was a firm believer in giving back to the community and could be seen lending a hand and voice at various community charitable events. |
Phyllis Hartmann
Passes Phyllis Hartmann was an air personality at WDAT-AM 1590, WPUL-AM 1590, WGGG-AM 1230 and WZIP-AM 1590 in the 80's and 90's has passed. She lost her battle with cancer on July 1, 2009. |
Earl Finckle Earl was the "chief meteorologist" on WDBO-AM 580 for many years. Earl Finckle, 1927-2009: Charted area weather for years Wrigley, Comiskey among institutions that relied on Finckle's forecasts By Robert Mitchum Chicago Tribune reporter July 6, 2009 With a homey sense of humor and a talent for forecasting the weather's fickle behavior, Earl Finckle became known throughout Chicago and the country as a reliable radio voice of rain-or-shine predictions. But with his private meteorological firm, Central Weather Service, Mr. Finckle also provided custom weather forecasts for a variety of local businesses and customers: groundskeepers at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park, pilots planning a flight, cement and roofing workers concerned about rain and farmers tending to their crops. "If your forecasts are accurate, your clients come back," Mr. Finckle told the Tribune in 1991. Mr. Finckle, 81, died of kidney and heart failure Friday, July 3, in Highland Park Hospital, said Sylvia, his wife of 61 years. Mr. Finckle, who was born and raised in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, fell into his career of weather forecasting almost by accident, his wife said. When he aced an entrance exam upon joining the Air Force, Mr. Finckle told his superiors he was interested in pursuing cryptography. But his mother's Russian citizenship and Cold War politics prevented that career, and he chose the next best thing: meteorology. After training and working for seven years in the meteorology department at Chanute Air Force Base near Rantoul in central Illinois, Mr. Finckle took a compassionate discharge to take care of his teenage siblings when his mother died, his wife said. But his meteorological career continued to bloom, first with private Chicago-area firms like Murray & Trettel, then with his own private forecasting business, Chicago Weather Service. When Mr. Finckle began his company, he rented a small hut without air-conditioning on the grounds of Palwaukee Municipal Airport in Wheeling, where he would calculate forecasts with pencil, paper and a protractor. Starting with a handful of private aviators who used the airport, Mr. Finckle attracted new customers through accurate forecasts and hard work, former co-workers said. "He was a real leader in the area of long-range forecasting. ... His forecasts could be very specific, and many times very dependable." said Wayne Peterson, who worked with Mr. Finckle for nearly 30 years. "It was something special." With radio stations in Chicago and as far away as Orlando and Maryland depending on his forecasts, Mr. Finckle would wake up at 3 a.m. to prepare his predictions and begin calling in forecasts peppered with colorful "Earlisms," his colleagues said. "Earl had a lot of personality," said Mark Rhein, a senior forecaster with Murray & Trettel who trained under and worked with Mr. Finckle. "He was bigger than life, a very professional, very interesting character that had a good sense of humor and a good wit." "The most rewarding part of this job is when you see a forecast come out right," Mr. Finckle told the Tribune in 1991. "Even better, though, is when you were right and everyone else was wrong." Mr. Finckle also is survived by two sons, Larry and Keith; a daughter, Judy; a sister, Lois; and six grandchildren; A brother, Leonard, preceded him in death. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Shalom Memorial Park, 1700 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights. |
Durkee Durkee stirred nostalgia on air By Virginia Culver The Denver Post Ray Durkee and "Sunday at the Memories" was heard on WKIS-AM 740 and WDBO-AM 580. Ray Durkee hosted "Sunday at the Memories" on KHOW in the 1970s. (Special to The Denver Post) Ray Durkee, a Denver radio personality for years, died unexpectedly June 28. Durkee died at his home in Bismarck, N.D., after suffering a heart attack. He was 70. Durkee was best known for his Denver show "Sunday at the Memories" on KHOW, where he played old tunes, old radio programs and even old commercials. The 1970s show was so popular that churchgoing listeners taped it because it was aired during church hours, said his ex-wife, Marilyn Ann Durkee of Denver. "Sunday at the Memories" was broadcast on 100 stations in the U.S. and Guam and even for oil workers in Saudi Arabia, his family said. Callers who weren't paying close attention sometimes thought the commercials he played referred to current prices. One time, he played a commercial that said a grocery chain was selling a pound of ground beef for 8 cents, said his son James of Denver. People raced to the store to get the bargain, only to be told that what they had heard was not the current price. For a time, Durkee broadcast from Tulagi, then a famous college dance hall in Boulder, and from the London House restaurant and ballroom on Colorado Boulevard. He had a program of oldies and broadcast two or three nights a week during the 1970s and 1980s, said Marilyn Ann Durkee. Ray Durkee had a day-in- history kind of memory, said his ex-wife. If someone asked him what date a certain musician premiered a song, Durkee could remember several other things that happened somewhere in the world on that same day. He retired from radio in the 1990s and then transferred all his vinyl and reel-to-reel recordings to CDs, his son said. Raymond W. Durkee was born in Aberdeen, S.D., on Aug. 27, 1938, and graduated from high school there. He attended Brown Radio Institute in Minneapolis and got his first job in Aberdeen. He then went to Bismarck, N.D., before moving to Denver in 1959. While at Denver's KTLN station, he piloted a small plane while giving the weather and traffic reports, said James Durkee. And giving those reports wasn't that easy because right below the cockpit was a wing, often obscuring his view of traffic. Durkee also worked for KOSI and KLZ. He joined KHOW in 1972. In addition to his ex-wife and son, he is survived by another son, John Durkee of Northglenn; daughters Robin Gayeske of Westminster and Raeanne Smith-Duca of Broomfield; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jim Durkee of Aberdeen. A great- grandchild preceded him in death. |
Greg Wolas Greg Wolas, the overnight personality on WHOO-AM 990 from 1973 to 1979. Greg became known for his kiddie show parody "Uncle Buckeye's Kiddie Korner," that aired in the last five minutes of his show. Sadly, Greg passed away yesterday, June 13, 2009 after a very long battle with the many complications of rheumatoid arthritis. Greg is survived by his wife Christine, sons Jason & Christopher of Deltona, and in Cleveland, Ohio brother Jerry and sisters Pat Miller & Antoinette. |
Roman Crash kills Power 95.3 DJ Erika Roman Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - Saturday, May 2, 2009 Author: Keith W. Kohn, Sentinel Staff Writer A popular Orlando radio DJ was killed Friday when she tried to avoid debris on Florida's Turnpike and her car landed upside down underwater about 20 miles south of Osceola County. Erika Roman , 31, the morning host on "Power 95.3 FM", WPYO-FM 95.3, was killed in the 1:30 p.m. single-car crash. A Florida Highway Patrol report says she was driving southbound on the turnpike in the right-hand lane and swerved to the left to avoid a lounge chair in the road. She then overcorrected her 2007 Nissan Sentra and drove off the highway and onto the shoulder, according to the report. That's when her car flipped several times as it traveled more than 50 feet to a roadside canal and came to rest upside down and submerged. An FHP trooper and another motorist went into the water to rescue Roman, the car's lone occupant. The other motorist was injured in his rescue attempt and was taken to a hospital, but the trooper was able to pull Roman from the water. He performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 20 minutes but was unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce. In Roman's final note to friends about 8 a.m. on the Web service Twitter, Roman said: "Ready to go to MIAMI today! Gonna hang with the fam!!!" The radio station offered praise for Roman on its Web site: "Erika was a wonderful, passionate, caring person and she will be missed greatly by all of her friends and family. "If determination had a face, it would look like Erika Roman . If passion had a voice, it would sound like Erika Roman . And if character had a touch, it would feel like Erika Roman ." According to the station's biography of Roman, she was born and raised in New York City and had been in the music business for more than a decade. In her late teens, she was taken under the wing of New York entertainment impresario Sal Abbatiello of Fever Records. She promoted nightclubs for Fever Records while attending Marymount Manhattan College in New York, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications and media. |
Al Risen
In the late '60s Albert H. Risen, Jr. worked at WKLO-AM 1080, WAKY-AM 790, WINN-AM 1240, WKRX-AM 790, WLAP-AM 630 all in Kentucky and WXVW-AM 1450 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Al would move to WKDA in Nashville, and later WSM, where he syndicated a country music show. Al worked at country-formatted WHOO-AM 990 in Orlando as well as WELE-AM 1380 in Ormond Beach in the '80s. Later Al spent many years working for the Post Office in Edgewater. Al died in New Smyrna Beach on April 18, 2009 at the age of 65. |
Allen Soldinger Craig Allen Soldinger 62, of Orlando, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends, after a two year battle with cancer. Craig is a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a Ceremonial Announcer for the White House in the "The Old Guard". He spent his career in radio broadcasting, music promoting, and mostly in the film and television industry as a writer, producer and director. He served many years as the State President of the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association and is the current President of the Florida Cast & Crew Association. Craig is survived by his beloved daughter, Laurie Saunders, his son-in-law, Scott Saunders and his three grandchildren, Ellie, Emmy and Dylan Saunders of Orlando. He is also survived by his mother, Florence Soldinger, of Orlando, his sister, Eve Soldinger of Silver Spring, MD, and his sister, Jan Campbell and brother-in-law, Alex Campbell of Rockville, MD. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 10, 2009 at 10AM at Woodlawn Memorial Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Craig's memory to the MD Anderson Cancer Center of Orlando or to Cornerstone Hospice. Published in the Orlando Sentinel on 4/10/2009 |
Charles L. Goulder Charles L. Goulder, 63 of Daytona Beach, Fl., passed away on March 7, 2009. He graduated in 1963 from Mount Dora High School. Between 1959 and 1966 he was worked at WVGT-AM 1580, Mt. Dora, WBIL-AM 1410, Leesburg and WHOO-AM 990, Orlando. After leaving radio in 1966 he began his career with the Orlando Fire Dept. riding the trucks at Station 1. In 1972 He was promoted to Lieutenant. In 1981 he was promoted to District Chief of Communications. |
Paul Harvey |
Beckett Rick Beckett, whose career evolved from a Top 40 rock jock into an acerbic talk show host, died of a heart attack on February 26, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was 54. Rick's first full-time job was at WGTO-AM 540 in Cypress Gardens. In 1984 Rick returned to Florida and Haines City to work at WZNG-AM 1360. Rick was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan then the family moved to Grand Rapids shortly thereafter. His radio career began while he was still in high school at Union High School in Grand Rapids. Beckett's last entry on his blog was a quote from Leo Rosten: "The purpose of life is to matter, to be productive, to have it make a difference that you lived at all -- using the talents that God has given you for the betterment of others." |
Don Elliot Heald
One of the original Voices of WWV has passed away. The recorded voice of Time and Frequency Station WWV has fallen silent. This with word that announcer Don Elliot Heald, of Atlanta, Georgia, who gave WWV its human touch passed away on Thursday, February 19th. WWV is the oldest continuously-operating radio station in the United States, first going on the air from Washington, D.C. in May 1920, approximately six months before the launch of KDKA. WWV's main function is the continuous dissemination of official U.S. Government time signals. Known in the broadcast world as Don Elliot, Heald had distinguished career that ranged from work at Atlanta Georgia's WSB-TV as general manager to his automated and internationally heard WWV broadcasts on short-wave. He was also the voice of the Audichron telephone dial-in Time-Weather-Temperature service and of the Protestant Hour radio show for over 40 years. For nearly five decades Heald narrated the televised Christmas Eve service from Atlanta's Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, where he served as a vestryman, junior warden and senior warden. Heald was originally from Massachusetts, but came to Atlanta via Lakeland, Florida. He was a graduate of the University of Florida at Gainesville and began his broadcast career after graduation when he accepted a position at WRUF-AM 850 where remained for three years. In Atlanta he spent much of his spare time devoted to public service work with charities and civic clubs. |
A. Stipsits
Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a past member of Ormond Beach Rotary, the Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Broadcasters, the United Way and a variety of other civic organizations during his career. Before his retirement he was the director of the Daytona Beach News-Journal InfoNet Services. Prior to working at the News-Journal he enjoyed a long career in radio broadcast management at WROD-AM 1340 Daytona Beach as well as WXVQ-AM 1490, Deland, Orlando, and Ohio which spanned more than 30 years. Bill was a life long St. Louis Cardinals fan. |
Brantley Slaughter
Brantley Slaughter, 78, constant
champion for 'the little guy' |
2008 Community Mourns Death of Rosa Lee JonesPublished in Hometown NewsDec 11, 2008 By Jenet Krol firstname.lastname@example.com COCOA - An integral part of the community, Cocoa resident Rosa Lee Jones dedicated her life to improving the lives of those around her. Mrs. Jones, who died Dec. 2 at the age of 101, will be remembered as a teacher, a leader, and to many, a mother figure. She died while visiting family in California, said the Rev. Oliver Wells, pastor of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church in Cocoa. She will be missed by friends and family, but her influence will be felt for many years to come, he said. "Her life was woven into the fabric of this community," said the Rev. Wells. "I saw her life as a bridge. She was a bridge for all of us to get to where we are now." Born in Quincy, Feb. 26 or 27, 1907, Mrs. Jones moved to Cocoa in 1925. She married Osborne Herman Jones two years later. Together, the couple had three children, Robert, Anna Laura and Rebecca. In 1966, Mrs. Jones started a preschool/kindergarten by mortgaging her home on Magnolia Street. The school began with 25 students in a garage apartment at her home. Later, a school was built on Poinsett Drive, which she operated for 30 years, teaching both black and white children. Known by her former students as Mama Rosa, it was at this school where Mrs. Jones inspired many of Cocoa and Rockledge's future black leaders. Dick Blake, who worked as Brevard County's first black principal at Cocoa High School and now serves on the Rockledge City Council, was a kindergarten student of Mrs. Jones. He said he owes his success to her early tutelage and training. "She was a master teacher," he said. "She made learning exciting and made students feel so good about themselves. I don't know any person who had such love and admiration for her students. I am so grateful for the influence she had on my life." She also worked together with Harry T. Moore, one of Brevard County's most influential civil rights activists and founder of Brevard County's branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Mrs. Jones served as the chairperson of the membership committee of the first local branch of the NAACP. She also worked with him on Brevard County's first black newspaper, "The Script," and served as a radio personality on WKKO's "Open House" from1965-1968, reading the news. Always involved in civic and social events, the Rev. Wells said Mrs. Jones also had a wonderful gift of gab. "She knew hundreds of poems and could rival any toastmasters competition," he said. In 1999, Mrs. Jones received the distinction of having a street renamed in her honor. The Cocoa City Council wanted to recognize people who were influential to the community while they were still living, said Joan Clark, Cocoa city clerk. Poinsett Drive was renamed Rosa L. Jones Drive. "She was chosen because of her outstanding contributions to the community," said Ms. Clark. Mrs. Jones was a member of Mt. Moriah AME Church and is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Baker of Cocoa, 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, said the Rev. Wells. The Rev. Wells said he is happy Mrs. Jones got to experience having a street named after her, and got to see the first black person elected as the president of the United States. "She had a heart that cared about people and wasn't afraid of putting herself on the line for the concern of other people. The community will miss Rosa Jones." |
Grace Passes Melvin
W. Grace Sr., known as "Little Daddy" during his years as
the morning disc jockey at WOKB-AM
1600, died of pneumonia Nov. 24. He was 79. Born and raised in Miami, Grace was in junior high school when he became
curious about on-air radio personalities. During a time when black disc
jockeys were unheard of, Grace asked his mother if he could meet a disc
jockey she enjoyed listening to. Grace began observing the DJ on
weekends, until the day he left Grace alone in the booth. When the
record ended and Grace took over, the station's owner called, asking who
the unfamiliar voice was. That day marked the start of Grace's lifelong
career in radio, making him one of the first black voices on the
airwaves in Florida.
In high school, Grace continued his radio gig but made time to perform
with the Melody Echoes, a gospel group he formed with three friends. The
group made its on-air debut soon after and eventually performed live at
Carnegie Hall in New York and in South Florida. Grace worked at stations
in Miami, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, often commuting between cities
during his early years. It was while working in Daytona Beach that he
made the switch to rock 'n' roll and took on "Little Daddy" as
his on-air name. When the station was sold, he was hired as the morning
disc jockey for WOKB in Orlando, where he remained from 1957 to
1978. In addition to radio, Grace hosted Harmony and Grace, a Sunday
morning TV show that featured local gospel artists on WESH-Channel 2.
He also was known for the dances he held during summers and on weekends.
"He hosted teen dances . . . to give young people something
positive to do," said Steve January, his former general
manager at WOKB. They were yearly galas, where boys dressed up in
tuxedos and girls wore their best dresses, he said.
Francina Boykin remembers Grace as the disc jockey who kept youth out of
trouble by hosting those dances throughout Central Florida. "Little
Daddy, as we called him, brought us all together. We didn't have
violence. It was just a bunch of kids dancing," Boykin said. Grace
moved to Jacksonville in the early 1990s. He was back at WOKB
from 1998 to 2004, when he left the station for good to return to
gospel. He was known as Deacon Melvin Grace at a station in
Brevard County. "Melvin meant a lot to everybody," January
said. "He gave the wisdom that he had on the air and was very
knowledgeable about music. He loved young people." Grace married Theodora
LaFleur in 1945, his son Melvin Grace Jr. said. The couple
had six children. She died in 1960. Melvin Grace Jr. said his
father was a very kind, giving and compassionate man who loved people
and would give his all to those in need. He was profound, knowledgeable
and wise, he said. Grace is survived by more than 30 children, according
to friends and family. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home,
Apopka, is handling arrangements. |
Bill Drake
Passes Legendary radio programmer Bill Drake of KHJ/Los Angeles "Boss Radio" fame and other stations in the 1960s and 1970s, and who along with his business partner Lester Eugene "Gene" Chenault formed the radio syndication company Drake-Chenault in the late-1960s and early-1970s, which specialized in jingle packages and automated music formats for AM and FM radio stations, died from lung cancer in Los Angeles on Nov. 29. He was 71. |
Howard Feingold |
Carl G. Collins, Jr.
Sgt. Jim Humphries Retired Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Jim Humphries died Monday, August 6, 2008, from injuries suffered in a car accident. Humphries spent 27 years at the Highway Patrol before retiring in 1980. He helped create a weekly television program called The Law and You, which addressed local law enforcement and community issues. He also did daily traffic reports on WHOO-AM 990. |
Tom Marshall
Thomas C. Siegfried Thomas Craig Siegfried, 72, Winter Garden, died Sunday, June 15. He was born in Independence, MO, and lived in Winter Garden for 24 years. He attended Kansas University and served in the Army National Guard. He established PDQ Printing in Orlando before opening West Orange Quick Print with his wife, Gayle, in Ocoee. Prior to his printing career, he was part of the management team at WLOF-AM 950. Survivors: wife of 21 years, Gayle Davidson Siegfried; sons, Thomas Craig Jr., Michael Martin and wife Kim, all of Winter Garden, Steve, Winter Park, Kevin Martin and wife Kara, Ocoee; daughters, Lisa Bohn, Sarasota, Laura Toshie and husband Miles, Winter Park; grandchildren, Sasha Bohn, Peter Bohn, Nicholas Bohn, Hannah Toshie, Abbey Toshie, Gabriella, Jacob Martin, Zach Martin, Leigh Anne Martin, Victoria Martin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of one's choice. A celebration of Tom's life will be held this Thursday, June 19, at 7PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. The family will receive visitors from 6-7PM. All family and friends are invited to a reception at the Siegfrieds' home immediately following the celebration. Published in the Orlando Sentinel on 6/18/2008. |
Bill Vermillion
Dick Camnitz aka Dick Shane reports the passing of an Orlando radio legend. Bill Vermillion known as "the weird beard" on WLOF-AM 950 has lost his 2 year battle with Cancer. Bill requested no formal funeral or memorial service but there most likely will be a celebration of his life at some later date. Stay tuned for details as they become available. Longtime Orlando Radio Giant William Joseph Vermillion Jr. dies of cancer at 71 Rich McKay Sentinel Staff Writer May 27, 2008 Before the homogenization of radio, it was the voice of "The Weird Beard" who ruled Orlando's airwaves with rapid-fire banter, free-style record selections and a zaniness that has all but been sterilized out of existence. The voice of Weird Beard, a '60s- and '70s-era disc jockey for WLOF AM -- fell silent a little after 1 p.m. Saturday when he succumbed to a long fight with intestinal cancer, his son said. Vermillion was 71. "The chemotherapy had just worn him out," his son, William Fred Vermillion, said Monday from his Orlando home where a number of longtime friends and well-wishers gathered. There was no formal announcement and no funeral or service is planned, the younger Vermillion said, following his father's wishes. But news of the elder Vermillion's passing spread across Internet websites devoted to radio days of yesteryear. Steve Rutledge, whose late father John (Rutledge) once owned the Orlando station, said that Vermillion should be remembered not only for his on-air presence, which was a must-listen for young people wanting the Beatles and later Jimi Hendrix, but for his uncanny ability to pick tomorrow's top songs before anyone else. "He was known as 'B-side Bill' because he'd listen to the flip side of a record, not just the A-side that the record producers were promoting," said Rutledge, now of Memphis, Tenn. "He was truly a legend, nationally known, everybody and his brother knew Weird Beard," he said. Former colleague Lee Arnold, now of Milwaukee, said Vermillion is credited for putting Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" on the top-40 lists of the country back in 1967. After leaving the station before it was sold and automated in 1982, Vermillion became a recording engineer for BeeJay Recording Studio where he helped make albums for bands such as Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot and Judas Priest. In addition to his son, the elder Vermillion is survived by his wife Bonnie Vermillion of Winter Park; his brother Robert J. Vermillion of Great Falls, Mont.; daughter-in-law Brenda Vermillion; grandson Christopher Vermillion; and granddaughter Anastajia Williams. Rich McKay can be reached at email@example.com or 407-420-5470. Copyright © 2008, Orlando Sentinel |
Franklin Pamal Broadcasting's WRZN-AM 720 Hernando-Ocala general manager Tom Franklin passed away Friday May 9, 2008 from an apparent heart attack. From The Citrus Chronicle By Mike Wright To hear his friend Jackie Boring put it, Tom Franklin had a "wonderful mind." Former Citrus County Commissioner Josh Wooten playfully sparred with Franklin while the two talked politics on TV. Then Franklin got into the political ring himself, running for county commission against another friend, incumbent Vicki Phillips. All three were in shock Friday after hearing that Franklin died of a heart attack suffered while he and Boring were on their way to dinner. "Citrus County just lost a wonderful mind," Boring said. "He could have really helped. I used to say his brain was fantastic, phenomenal and fun. He would find a solution to almost everything. If that solution didn't work, he'd find another one." Boring and Franklin were on their way to the Outback Steakhouse at around 5 p.m. Her car was stopped for the red light at the intersection of County Roads 491 and 486 when Boring said she noticed Franklin gasping for breath. Another motorist saw the trouble and called 911. Franklin, 60, was rushed to Citrus Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where emergency workers were unable to revive him, Citrus County Sheriff's Capt. Richard Wesch said. Franklin, who suffered a heart attack in 1999, spent much of last week in the hospital with abdominal pains, Wooten said. He saw Franklin on Wednesday at the Citrus Hills Information Fiesta and again Friday at lunch. "He seemed to be doing really well," Wooten said. "I spent two hours with him right before this happened. We were having lunch, talking about old times." Franklin was general manager of WRZN-AM. He held the same position for four years at WYKE-TV, where he and Wooten spent a half-hour each week discussing politics on "We Have Issues." Franklin also had intense interest in the county's history and its development. He served on the blue ribbon committee that developed Citrus County's first comprehensive growth-management plan. In January, Franklin announced his campaign for county commission in the Republican primary against Phillips. County Administrator Anthony Schembri notified Phillips and other commissioners of Franklin's death. Phillips said she and Franklin were friends. "I've known him since he came to this county," she said. "He's always been a perfect gentleman and a fine man. I'm just so sad." |
Thelma Tharp |
TalkStar Radio Morning
Co-Host Kim Matthews Dies
Courtesy of Radio Ink WHITE SPRINGS, FL -- March 27, 2008: Kim Matthews, co-host with Ed Shiflett of TalkStar Radio Networks' American Daybreak morning show, has died at age 40, the network reports. Matthews, known on the air as TalkStar Kim, also served as Production Director for the company's White Springs TV satellite network. TalkStar CEO Victor Ives said in a statement, "It is hard to think of what the mornings will be like without the banter between Kim and Ed. We have already been getting calls from listeners saying they are missing the radio show. It is now our sad duty to report the reason why the show isn't being aired. The bright light of her humor and grace has been dimmed. But Kim Matthews will not be soon forgotten." The local affiliate of The TalkStar Radio network is WPGS-AM 840. Kimberly Ann Matthews was born on June 29, 1967 in Saddlebrook, NJ, and grew up in Lincoln Park, NJ. She moved to Florida in 1989 where she spent her remaining days. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 26, 2008. She was the loved radio personality of TalkStar Kim on American Daybreak on local station TalkStar 840 AM and nationally on the TalkStar Radio Network. She was also the Production Director of White Springs TV a small national movie channel for cable systems and TV stations. She is survived by Parents: Linda and Terrence Matthews. Children: Samantha, Amy, and Kelley Mackey. Grandchildren: Maria Lea and James Mackey. Sisters Dawn Kaisen, Debbie Matthews, and Kelly Higgins and her loving companion Ed Shiflett. |
Peter G. Deitchman |
Gordon Banta |
Walter Windsor Walter Windsor came to Orlando in 1969 and worked as general manager and editorial spokesman at WFTV-Channel 9. When the station was sold in 1984, he became head of the new owner's broadcasting division. Windsor also dabbled in radio. The corporation he formed, Comco, Inc. had interests in two Venice, Florida stations; WAMR-AM 1320 and WRAV-FM 92.1. Stations in Central Florida included WGGG-AM 1230, WWLD-AM 1190 as well as WINV-AM 1560. A "Celebration of the Life of Walter M. Windsor" will be held from 7 to 10 pm on Monday, March 10, 2008 at the Orlando Repertory Theatre (Universal Theatre) in Orlando, 1001 E Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida 32803. Directions are available at www.orlandorep.com/contact.htm. For information on the Celebration of the Life of Walter M. Windsor, please call Wendy at 407-257-7834. Walter's family has setup a tribute website to Walter at http://www.walterwindsor.com |
Lillian Eiland Lillian Jaffe Eiland, 86, of Orlando, FL, formerly of Huntington, WVA, died Saturday, January 19, 2008 in Orlando. She was born March 26, 1921 in Huntington, a daughter by birth of Sandor Lagun and Rae Marguerite Cuttler Jaffe. Shew was a member of the B'nai Sholom Congregation and very active with the Surfside Players in Cocoa Beach, FL, having served as president and acted in a number of productions. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Anthony "Ted" Eiland, with whom she owned and ran WKKO radio station in Cocoa, FL, and her father Isidore Jaffe of Huntington. She is survived by her four sons, Howard A. Eiland, Stuart A. Eiland, Robert A. Eiland and Richard A. Eiland; and 10 grandchildren. Graveside services were held on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the B'nai Israel Section of Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, by Rabbi David Wucher. Expressions of sympathy may be made to B'nai Sholom Congregation, P. O. Box 2674, Huntington, WV 25726. |
2007 Bob Mervine PassesOrlando Business Journal Staff Writer Bob Mervine died Wednesday October 17, 2007, after a brief hospitalization at Florida Hospital Altamonte. Mervine, 60, covered hospitality and tourism and media for OBJ since joining the staff full time in August 2001. Prior to that time, Mervine worked as a publicist for Walt Disney World and for The Villages. He previously worked as a broadcast journalist as well. In the years he was with OBJ, Mervine won a number of regional and state awards, including a Society of Professional Journalists Green Eyeshade award, as well as being part of the OBJ team that won a Society of American Business Editors and Writers award for the 2004 hurricane coverage and its impact on local businesses. "We are greatly saddened at the news of Bob's death, but want to thank all those in the community who phoned or e-mailed during his hospitalization," says Editor Cindy Barth. "We always knew Bob was a well-known figure about town, and we know he will be sorely missed by all those who had the opportunity to meet and to know him." A memorial service and tribute to Mervine will be held Sunday, Oct. 21, from 2-4 p.m. at The Peabody Hotel, 9801 International Drive. Attendees are asked to remember him by wearing Hawaiian shirts to the service. |
Keith Lippert |
"The Cruiser" Cummings |
Paul Yeskel
Paul Yeskel has spent over 30 years in the music business with experience as a concert promoter, on air personality at WORJ-FM 107.7, artist manager, talent agent. In 1985 Yeskel established Aim Strategies, an independent promotion and marketing company specializing in Rock promotion and retail tracking. Aim was a pioneer in new technology by developing the first computer software for tracking radio play and retail sales as well as being the first promotion entity to deliver radio reports to their clients via fax. In 1994 Aim became the first company to promote what was to later become the AAA format. Paul passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, September 23, 2007. He was 56. |
Fred Klein
Passes Fred Klein's Obituary
From Lancaster Online |
Sanoma Robertson |
Sollom Passes
6-29-07 |
John Gordon
Eddie Hubbard
Dies After Car Accident |
Nigh |
Tom Blair
Passes |
Marcocci Passes |
Lakeland Radio Legend Bud Kurtz Passes 12-20-06 Frank M. "Bud" Kurtz, Jr., of Lakeland, died December 20, 2006, at the age of 79. Mr. Kurtz was an owner-operator of radio station WVFM-FM 94.1 with partners, Duane McConnell and Herb Todd. After selling the stations, he worked there for an additional eight years. |
W. Burkhart Copyright (c) 2006, Charlotte Sun Charles W. Burkhart, 67, of Ocala, Fla., and formerly of Sarasota, Fla., and Arcadia, Fla., died of natural causes Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, in Ocala. He was born March 28, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Burkhart came to Sarasota in 1958. He retired in 2000 from G. Pierce Wood Memorial Hospital in Arcadia, and for 15 years had been a disc jockey known as "Charlie B" at WAPG radio in Arcadia. He graduated from Sarasota High School in 1960 and had been the manager of National Shirt Shop on Main Street in Sarasota. Mr. Burkhart is survived by his mother, Theresa of Ocala; and brothers, Ronald and Edward. A funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Ocala, Sylvia's House, 2895 S.E. 62nd St., Ocala, FL 34480. Arrangements are being made in Ocala. |
Longtime Obituary from Naples News By Charlie Whitehead A man who made Southwest Florida morning listeners laugh - and cringe - for most of two decades is off the air for good. Joe Scott, 46, died Tuesday after collapsing at his home in |
Morning News,
September 26, 2006 Don Sports, Sr. Claxton - W. Don Sports , 73, an Evans County civic leader and former broadcaster, passed away September 24, 2006, at his home in Evans County, after returning from Douglas, Ga., where he attended the reunion of his 1951 high school graduation class. He attended South Georgia College and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He worked briefly with the Martin Theatre chain in Douglas, Eufaula, AL., and Port St. Joe, FL. Sports began a career in broadcasting in Port St. Joe and in 1959 became associated with WCLA(-AM 1470) Radio in Claxton. He purchased the station in 1972 and sold it in 1997. (Don also was the owner of Palatka station WSUZ-AM 800 from 1982 to 1988.) He acquired numerous honors including, President of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters in 1977 and recognition as the GAB's 1986 Citizen of the Year. Also, he held numerous leadership positions in the Claxton First United Methodist Church and the Claxton Rotary Club, including President, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, "for furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world." Don married Ida Mae Fussell of Coffee County in 1952, when both were employees of the Martin Theatre, and she has been by his side for 54 years. Survivors: his wife, Ida Mae Sports of Claxton; one son, Donald Sports, Jr., of Macon; one daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Toler and Bob Dellaposta of Nashville; one grandson, Clint Toler of Nashville; a brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Dee Sports of Conyers; one sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jasper Messmore of Dunwoody; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. |
Billy "The
Janitor" Alverson
Passes William "Billy The Janitor" Alverson of station WJRR-FM 101.1 has died. Billy was found dead in his beige Nissan truck about 3 a.m. Saturday morning. A window was broken out, his body still strapped in the seat belt on Aug. 6, 2006. Alverson, 45, had been on the air, mostly weekends, since 1998. In addition, he was also in promotions for "Real Rock 101one" and for WQTM-AM 740 "740 The Team". He had recently taken over promotions for Clear Channel Brevard. Witness statements suggest three shots may have been fired and that Alverson may have had a confrontation with someone in another vehicle before he was shot. Officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Office say they are still pursuing the case. |
WWII veteran Murray
Pendleton earned Purple Heart, loved racing April 21, 2006 By Terry O. Roen, Sentinel Staff Writer Murray
Pendleton was fearless. He loved fast cars and dangerous missions. He
volunteered to serve on an elite bomb squad during World War II and spent 37
years working for the Daytona Beach International Speedway and NASCAR. The Port
Orange man died Monday at age 85. Pendleton was born in St. John, New Brunswick,
and moved to the United States when he was 16. A veteran of the U.S. Army Air
Forces, he was wounded twice in North Africa defusing bombs. The second time, he
lost his leg and received the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He also was
awarded the U.S. Defense Medal and Medal for Service in Europe and North Africa
Theater of Operation. After the accident, he continued to serve another two
years as the manager of the Armed Forces Radio and Television at Martin Army
Community Hospital in Fort Benning, Ga. He spent his free time visiting the
hospital to lift the spirits of injured soldiers. Pendleton moved to Daytona
Beach in 1961 and worked as program director of WSBB(-AM
1230) radio in New Smyrna Beach. He took a job as staff assistant for
the Daytona Beach International Speedway and NASCAR to fuel his
love for racing. His job included picking up VIPs at the airport, announcing
races, working traffic control and clearing the track. During the 1960s,
Pendleton and his wife started Million Dollar Bandstand, a portable disco
that traveled to weddings and entertained teens at recreation centers and
dances. Pendleton used his Bandstand engagements to expand WSBB's radio
audience. "My dad worked two or three jobs and never took a sick
day," said Scott Pendleton, his youngest son. "He would come home with
his leg bleeding from standing all day, but he never complained." Murray
Pendleton was a coffee addict who always had a thermos full by his side. He wore
a prosthesis and never let his disability stop him from participating in any
activity, said his wife, Elaine. "He accepted the loss of his leg from the
beginning," Elaine said. "He loved to putter around the garage. He
worked on his car, changed his own oil and could fix anything." The couple
met at a blind date at the drag races and were married for 45 years. His oldest
daughter, Betty Jean "Ringo" Pendleton, said she has fond memories of
tagging along with her father to races. She said he was a big fan of Richard
and Lee Petty and decorated his Dodge station wagon with NASCAR
decals. "For years, we had a first-aid kit and stretcher in the back
of the station wagon," she said. "His car was used in case of an
accident because they didn't have ambulances waiting around in those days,"
she said. When Pendleton retired in 1986, the couple purchased a recreational
vehicle and traveled around the United States. He served as president and vice
president of the Daytona Drifters RV Camping Club. He also is survived by
his sons; Buddy Pendleton of Ocoee, Bill Pendleton of Apopka and Thomas
Pendleton of South Daytona; daughter, Debbie Card of Port Orange; 11
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Shannon
Maloney Funeral Home in Port Orange is handling the arrangements. |
Wes Unold
Wesley H. Unold, 70, of Summerfield passed away of natural causes. Mr. Unold was a radio personality for WLBE-AM 790 in Leesburg, WMOP-AM 900, WMOP-FM 93.7 and WFUZ-FM 93.7 in Ocala. Born in Flushing, N.Y., he moved to Florida in 1972 from North Carolina. He was an alumni of the Columbia School of Broadcasting and was a member of the Moose Lodge. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Reomia Unold of Summerfield; daughters: Renee Howerton of Belleview, Lisa McMasters of Ocala; sons: Eric Unold of Atlanta, Ga., Galen Unold of Ocala, Brian Unold of Atlanta, Ga.; and 10 grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life at Roberts Funeral Homes, Ocala (352-622-4141) on Wednesday, April 12th at 5:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to your local Humane Society. Roberts Funeral Home, Ocala. |
John Donahey Jr. John William Donahey Jr., 70, of La Jardin, a former owner of WTAI-FM 107.1 and WLLV-FM 107.1 radio stations in Melbourne, died Friday, February 24, 2006 at Ocean View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, New Smyrna Beach. Mr. Donahey was born in Cleveland and came to this area in 2004 from Columbus, Ohio. He was an advertising executive for Radio Station WLAC, Nashville, Tenn. He was a member of Nashville Advertising Federation and the Nashville Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Sertoma Club. He served on the board of directors for the American Cancer Society in Nashville and Melbourne. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; two sons, John III, Fairfield Glade, Tenn., and Albert, Canal Winchester, Ohio; a daughter, Carol Holley, Bronxville, N.Y.; a stepdaughter, Robin Sampson, Edgewater; and two grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1620 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32119. Dudley, Edgewater, is in charge. |
Dick Ravenhill
Passes Thanks to Sam Stratton, the grandson of Dick Ravenhill for this obituary. Richard C. Ravenhill Tuesday, February 7, 2006 Richard C. Ravenhill, 84, of Marshall, formerly of Leesburg, Fla., died Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall. Cremation. Services are pending. Born Aug. 1, 1921, in Portland, Ore., he was the son of the late Clifford Ravenhill and Elva Williams Ravenhill. He attended Missouri Valley College and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He had lived in Leesburg most of his life and was a retired radio broadcaster in Orlando and Leesburg. Survivors include two sons, Richard Ravenhill and wife Karen of Columbia and Robert Ravenhill and wife Jan of Marshall; two daughters, Sara Stratton and husband Tom of Topeka, Kan., and Helen Ravenhill and husband, Ed Meltzer, of Kansas City; one brother, Ronald Ravenhill of Phenix City, Ala.; eight grandchildren, Colin Ravenhill and wife Stefanie of Watkinsville, Ga., Scott Ravenhill of Los Angeles, Calif., Sam Stratton of Lawrence, Kan., Laura Stratton and Joel Stratton of Topeka, Kan., Rachel Brown and husband Rob of St. Louis, Martha Ravenhill of Washington, D.C., and Gerri Ravenhill of Ft. Worth, Texas; and one great-grandson, Jacob Ravenhill of Watkinsville, Ga. |
Morgan Passes Chris Morgan aka Jeff Summers, WKMG-TV "Local 6" traffic reporter passed away. Chris was working for Traffic Management as a manager operating the DOT cameras and updating the 511system. Chris had a stroke and was thought to be on the road to recovery. Chris was 53. |
Woody Wooden
Passes Long time area disc-jockey and newsman, Woody Wooden has passed away after a brief illness. With more than 50 years on the airwaves Woody's mellow voice up until recently had entertained Sunday night listeners on WPCV-FM 97.5 with "The Classic Country Show". Woody also worked at WGTO-AM 540 when the station was at Cypress Gardens. Woody also worked at WDBO-AM 580 in Orlando. He will be missed for his great demeanor and enduring respect for the artist's records he played during his career. |
Mason Passes Terry M. England age 52 years of Omaha. Longtime Omaha Radio personality. Terry is survived by daughters, Megan England and Molly England and brother, Charles Wayne England. Terry was program director for Waitt Radio Networks' "Oldies Plus" radio format, originating in Omaha and distributed to stations throughout the United States. Terry also worked many years in Central Florida Radio, under the name of Terry Mason at stations including WGTO-AM 540, WWZN-AM 540 and WOTS-AM 1220. |
Al Lee OCALA - Al Lee , 77, a retired journalist, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006. A native of Nashville, Ga., he moved here in 1960 from Pompano Beach. An award-winning investigative journalist for the Tampa Tribune and the Star-Banner, he was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism. He was a former radio news editor for WMOP-AM 900 and WTMC-AM 1290, public relations director for the Florida Department of Corrections, and city editor for the Star-Banner. He began the Marion County Meditation Program, was the first non-lawyer to argue before the Florida Supreme Court and was a columnist for the Voice of South Marion. Mr. Lee was the recipient of the Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Achievement Award, was the youngest person to fly solo in the state, and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. |
Ernie Legge |
Miguel Negron
in Spanish-language Radio Passes Negron appeared on WONQ-AM 1030 in 1991 and was an instant hit among Hispanics who indulged in his give-and-take format with politicians and community activists. Negron, called "The Showman," died Thursday December 28, 2005. He was 78 years old. Negron began his career in Puerto Rico and continued in New York before moving to Orlando. |
George J. Duck Palatka Daily News George Julius Duck, 82, of Palatka, died Friday, August 12, 2005, at the Roberts Hospice Care Center in Palatka following a brief illness. He was born in Columbus, Ga., and had formerly lived in St. Augustine. He had been a resident of Palatka for the past 65 years, coming from Quincy. He was a 1941 graduate of the Putnam High School in Palatka. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He served as Public Safety Director for Putnam County for 27 years, retiring in 1988. He had a lifelong interest in radio. Forty years ago he worked at the former WWPF(-AM 1260) Radio in Palatka (now WIYD) as an engineer and disc jockey. He later helped to establish the former WSUZ(-AM 800) in Palatka, which is now WPLK and he worked there as an engineer and radio personality for many years up until this May when health problems forced his retirement. He was the host of the "Swap Shop" on WPLK for many years. He was a member of the Bert Hodge Post No. 45 of the American Legion in Palatka and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 3349 in Palatka. Besides his work he also enjoyed ham radios, playing the guitar, fishing and computers. He is featured in the article, "Don't You Know There's A War On?" in the current edition of the Welcome Magazine. |
Jack Wilson
Jack Wilson, 75, of Leesburg passed away Thursday, July 14th. Jack was a barber and a sports announcer for Leesburg High School for 40 years. M.J. McNair, general manager of WLBE-AM 790 that broadcast Wilson's coverage, said Wilson was the "driving force" for the program. "When I first started hearing him, he had a good voice and delivery," McNair said. "He was a homegrown, homespun broadcaster. That made him good for Lake County. He kept Leesburg sports at the top of his priorities." When Leesburg High School's football stadium was condemned, Wilson joined with other local businessmen, known as the "Silly Six" in helping to raise money to construct a new stadium at Leesburg High School. Jack served two terms on the Leesburg City Commission and as mayor in 1970. |
Charlie Liles FLORIDA TODAY (Melbourne, FL)-June 23, 2005 Author: Staff, BRITT KENNERLY TITUSVILLE -- Friends and family have vivid memories of a former Titusville mayor well known for his community service and remembered for his booming voice. Charlie Liles, 72, who served two terms as a council member in the mid-1970s and was elected in 1978 to one term as mayor, died Tuesday at his home in Daytona Beach. His daughter, Donna Hendricks of Huntsville, Ala., described her father as a "special kind of guy." "If it was something he really wanted done and he felt strongly about it, you knew it," she said. "You always knew where he stood -- he was going to push, and he got a lot done." Many credit Liles as instrumental in the campaign to restore the Veterans Memorial Pier and with upgrading State Road 50 to four lanes during his service with the city. But for local sports fans, Liles was also known as "The Voice of High School Football and Basketball," working as an announcer for WRMF-AM 1050 and WAMT-AM 1060 radio stations. The master of ceremonies for the Titusville Junior Miss Pageant for 14 years, he continued work as a disc jockey for dances and special events after moving to Daytona Beach eight years ago. "He was a great gentleman, very much a family man and very active in church and with the United Men's Fellowship," said George Mosakowski, who met Liles as a member of Indian River City United Methodist Church. "And he was a terrific disc jockey." John Peterson, water resources manager for the city, agreed. "He had a very good broadcast voice. I remember listening to some of his play-by-play -- that's my best memory of him," he said. "It was a long time ago, but working with him was always a very good experience." Liles was born Dec. 24, 1932, in Selma, N.C., and raised and educated in Tampa. In the early 1960s, he and his family moved to Titusville, where one of Liles' three children, a son, Chuck Liles, still lives. Another son, David Liles, lives in Live Oak. Liles would be happy to see the progress on the pier in a city he loved, said his daughter. "When I was growing up, my dad would get so upset when the weekend would come and my friends and I would go to Merritt Island to go shopping," Hendricks said. "He'd say, 'Why, when Titusville has everything, do you go to Merritt Island?' His family upbringing was community - oriented - my grandfather was a Boy Scout executive. My father just really liked people." |
Orden Craig Published: In The Winter Haven News Chief Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 4:01 a.m. L. Orden Craig, 87, of Lakeland died of Alzheimer's Disease Monday, June 20, 2005. A native of Hope, Ind., he moved to Lakeland in 1995 from Winter Haven. He was Co-owner of WSIR(-AM 1490). He served with the Secret Service during World War II. He worked for RCA and was fundamental in developing the proximity fuse and later helped with the push-button stereo control mechanism for automobiles. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah Craig and brother Robert Craig. Survivors include two daughters, Cay Van De Voort of Lakeland and Jeanne Abell of Perrine; sister, Alberta Sullivan of Winter Haven; five grandchildren eight great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 115 S. Missouri, Suite 500, Lakeland, FL 33801. |
Wayne Trout
Passes Wayne Trout a fixture of Central Florida radio for over 30 years has died in his sleep on Friday, according to WTKS-FM 104.1's Jim Philips. Wayne was 56 years old. Details will follow as they become available. Jim Philips notes "...Many men and more women will mourn his passing." Read Wayne Trout's Memorial Service; A Personal Reminisce by Pat Flannagan. Veteran broadcaster passes Scott Maxwell Orlando Sentinel Taking Names Column Wayne Trout, a 30-plus-year veteran of Central Florida's airwaves, tragically surprised his mother, radio peers and legions of listeners when he unexpectedly died last week. "He was his jolly old self," Doris Trout said of her 56-year-old son. "He just went to bed, and then he died." Trout worked as newsman, anchor and news director on myriad stations, including WDBO, WTRR and WKIS. While Trout's on-air persona was known by the masses, those who knew him said it was his off-air personality -- his love of life, partying and his willingness to take in the forlorn -- they remember most. "He was one of the originals," said afternoon talker Jim Philips, who both competed against and worked alongside Trout through the years. "If you or your buddy got a divorce or dumped, you could stay with Wayne. And he would turn 'em around in a couple of days." Though Trout wasn't working in the hardscrabble business when he passed, his mother said it was still in his blood. "He started out when he was 18, and he never really got out of it." |
Bill Gephart Passes
Bill Gephart, who began his radio career in the 1970's at WACY-AM 1220, Kissimmee and later worked as the News Director for WLBE-AM 790, Leesburg before moving to WDBO-AM 580, Orlando for more than 10 years, passed away on June 2, 2005. Bill had been ill lately, and his health declined in recent months after the death of his mother in October 2004. He was 52 years old. Grissom Funeral Home, Kissimmee is handling the services. Visitation is Sunday June 5, between 3:00pm and 4:00pm with the service at 4:00pm Grissom Funeral Home 803 Emmett St. Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 847-3131 |
Steven Delay
Rama Communications Chief Engineer Steven Delay passed away Wednesday, May 11th in Richmond, Virginia. He was 52 years old. Mr. Delay was in Richmond helping rebuild an AM station in the market. He suffered a heart attack after finishing up and loading a truck. He is survived by his wife, Eve and 4 children. He's also survived by several grandchildren and step children. Steve was a great engineer and an even better human being. He treated you with the respect you deserved. Everyone at Rama Communications extends their deepest condolences to The Delay Family. Rama Communications is the licensee of WOKB-AM 1600 and WLAA-AM 1680 Winter Garden, WKIQ-AM 1240 Eustis, WQBQ-AM 1410 Leesburg, WNTF-AM 1580 Bithlo, WTIR-AM 1300 Cocoa Beach, WFVR Wellborn, GA and WOKB-LP (TV) Orlando. Paul Walker, Jr. Pays Tribute To His Mentor 3 years ago, May 11th, 2005 one of the nicest, kindest radio people I'd ever met passed away. Steve Delay was the Chief Engineer for Rama Communications, Incorporated in Orlando-Cocoa, Florida. He oversaw the "mess" that was WTIR-AM 1300, WNTF-AM 1580, WOKB-AM 1600, WLAA-AM 1680, WQBQ-AM 1410, WKIQ-AM 1240 and WRFV-AM 910, Valdosta, GA. He was one of the best engineers I've ever known. He was also a wonderful friend and co-worker. I started work at WTIR-AM 1300 in March 2005 and was awakened one day about 3 months later by a call from someone in our Orlando office that Steve had passed away from a heart attack the night before. I almost immediately started crying and dropped the phone. I picked it up, told the person I had to go, collect my thoughts and make a few phone calls. I called my consultant and good friend, Ira Littman to tell him what had happened. Ira and Steve had been friends for years. In fact, it was Ira who helped me get that job at WTIR. Ira was as shaken as I was. I immediately then called Steve's wife, Eve to see if there was ANYTHING I could do. She was, understandably, hysterical and in tears. Steve knew SO many people, had many friends and touched so many people's lives. He was one of the NICEST guys you'd ever meet and very, very hard working. He didn't settle for anything less then the best. I was 22 years old and still yearning for information and learning as I went along. He ALWAYS answered my questions about how something worked or why something was broken. If I genuinely wanted to know, he was more then glad to share his knowledge with me. He was extremely easy going and easy to get along with. if I made a mistake, he didn't dwell or harp on it. He just told me what I did wrong, told me not to do it again and we moved on. As a friend and as a co-worker, I still miss him to this day. I don't know what else to say about him that I haven't already said. We're thinking of you, Steve. Paul Walker, Jr. Pays Tribute To His Mentor 3 years ago, May 11th, 2005 one of the nicest, kindest radio people I'd ever met passed away. Steve Delay was the Chief Engineer for Rama Communications, Incorporated in Orlando-Cocoa, Florida. He oversaw the "mess" that was WTIR-AM 1300, WNTF-AM 1580, WOKB-AM 1600, WLAA-AM 1680, WQBQ-AM 1410, WKIQ-AM 1240 and WRFV-AM 910, Valdosta, GA. He was one of the best engineers I've ever known. He was also a wonderful friend and co-worker. I started work at WTIR-AM 1300 in March 2005 and was awakened one day about 3 months later by a call from someone in our Orlando office that Steve had passed away from a heart attack the night before. I almost immediately started crying and dropped the phone. I picked it up, told the person I had to go, collect my thoughts and make a few phone calls. I called my consultant and good friend, Ira Littman to tell him what had happened. Ira and Steve had been friends for years. In fact, it was Ira who helped me get that job at WTIR. Ira was as shaken as I was. I immediately then called Steve's wife, Eve to see if there was ANYTHING I could do. She was, understandably, hysterical and in tears. Steve knew SO many people, had many friends and touched so many people's lives. He was one of the NICEST guys you'd ever meet and very, very hard working. He didn't settle for anything less then the best. I was 22 years old and still yearning for information and learning as I went along. He ALWAYS answered my questions about how something worked or why something was broken. If I genuinely wanted to know, he was more then glad to share his knowledge with me. He was extremely easy going and easy to get along with. if I made a mistake, he didn't dwell or harp on it. He just told me what I did wrong, told me not to do it again and we moved on. As a friend and as a co-worker, I still miss him to this day. I don't know what else to say about him that I haven't already said. We're thinking of you, Steve. |
Bill Burgess Passes Bill Burgess long time sales manager of WFIV-AM 1080 in Kissimmee during the 1960s and 70s has died. Bill was Born in Johnson City, Tennessee. Bill took WHHL-AM 1190 from country to oldies and brought the oldies to Sanford's WTRR-AM 1400 and WUEZ-AM 1400. Bill was an Air Force Veteran, and an avid fisherman. |
Gordon Lund
Feb. 21, 2005 Obituary Form The Daytona News Journal ORMOND BEACH-Gordon C. Lund, 71, of North Yonge Street, who owned and operated WAPN 91.5 FM, a Christian radio station in Holly Hill, since1985 with his wife of 51 years Earlyne, died Monday at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach. Mr. Lund, an Army veteran of the Korean War, was born in Montevideo, Minn., and moved here in 1983. He was a member of Calvary Christian Church and enjoyed traveling, car auctions, football and playing free cell and solitaire. Additional survivors include a son, Mark, Sebastian; three daughters, Shellye Vallance, Holly Hill, Penny Piccirillo, Ormond Beach, and Pam Storm, Merritt Island; a brother, Paul, Hillsboro, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to WAPN 91.5 FM, 1508 State Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117. |
Radio Pioneer John Rutledge Passes
Mr. John Thomas Rutledge, Ocala, died on January 29, 2005 . See our John Rutledge Tribute |
Leisner |
Altiero Keith joined the WDBO-AM 580 news team in 1999. Born in New York and raised in the coal-mining town of Shenandoah, Pa., Altiero wanted to be the best at whatever he did. At age 12 he fought Hodgkin's disease and was part of a pioneering study to find a cure, his brother Kerry Altiero of Owls Head, Maine, said. At 16, Keith Altiero flew a plane solo. He decided later to become a race-car driver and participated in closed-circuit road racing with Sports Car Club of America, even going to the national championship. He trained and raced continually and then moved to Central Florida to get back into radio. In 2001 he won five awards for his work from the Florida Associated Press and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for his political reporting. Altiero died Sunday, December 19, 2004 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 51. |
Ben Taylor Daytona Beach News-Journal Former WESH host, Ben Taylor, 82 November 13, 2004 On a CBS affiliate in Richmond, Va., young Ben Taylor introduced many of the music stars of the day - Arthur Godfrey, Patti Page and country music legend Hank Williams. That job back in 1947 started him on a lifetime career in radio, television and motion pictures. Taylor, a longtime Daytona Beach resident who appeared on area television stations and as a radio personality, died Nov. 6 at Baptist Hospital in Miami. He was 82. Taylor, a native of Roanoke, Va., had a lifelong love affair with Florida and migrated here in the early 1950s to work in broadcasting, said his son, Roderick, a California screen-writer and former resident as well. His father claimed the title of being the first disc jockey on the CBS network then. Here, he worked with radio stations WNDB-AM 1150, WMFJ-AM 1450, WROD-AM 1340 and WQUX, which he helped found. For many years, he appeared on WESH-TV, hosting and producing several programs, including "Outdoors with Ben Taylor." His work in conservation earned him the Governor's Conservation Award. In addition to working in broadcasting, Taylor also appeared as an actor in several films and televisions series, including "Route 66" as well as a feature film about the Cuban expatriate movement. "Over the years, with his rich and distinctive voice, he narrated ads for numerous national advertisers, the state and national government, including the U.S. Army and Voice of America," said his son. Taylor was a former sergeant in the Marine Corps. Moving to Miami in the 1980s, Taylor enjoyed dancing and singing with his rich baritone, said Roderick Taylor, of Sherman Oaks. |
Chester E. "Chet" Pike After a career in radio and TV Chet became a restaurant owner. Gauchos in Cocoa Beach. An authentic Cuban-Spanish restaurant in Brevard County. His grandfather was Spanish and Pike lived for many years in south Florida where he became familiar with Cuban cooking. Many of the recipes used are family favorites or recipes collected during Pike's travels in South and Central America. One of these is for Puchero, an Argentine beef stew, which Pike says is one of the main dishes of the gauchos (South American cowboys). Chet passed away on October 13, 2004 from heart failure at age 72. |
2003 Richard BouchardCol. Richard Bouchard-In 1976, became the backup traffic pilot on WDBO-AM 580. He was hired full-time three years later and continued until 1993. He was also a traffic reporter for WFTV channel 9 for nine years. died Friday December 26, 2003. He was 72. Colonel Bouchard was called "one of the pioneers as an air-traffic reporter in the Central Florida area," by Ben Aycrigg, former news anchor of WDBO TV 6 (now WKMG). Richard and his wife met through the radio station when she won breakfast in a contest. He offered to let her fly with him, and she went. It was on a Valentine's Day. Richard Bouchard Obituary The Orlando Sentinel RICHARD M. BOUCHARD, 72, WAS EYE IN THE SKY FOR BUSTLING MOTORISTS From the skies over metro Orlando, Richard M. Bouchard reported on traffic conditions to harried motorists for years. He signed off each broadcast as "Colonel Richard Bouchard." Bouchard died Friday. He was 72. Bouchard was "one of the pioneers as an air-traffic reporter in the Central Florida area," said Ben Aycrigg, former news director of what is now WKMG-Channel 6. "He's a real loss to us. You hate to see these old-timers, who have been such familiar voices, passing from the scene." Bouchard joined the Air Force in 1951 when he was home on vacation from Texas A&M University. He started his career as a mechanic and then went to pilot training. Over the course of his career, Bouchard flew the F-89 fighter, B-47 jet bomber, the high-flying U-2 reconnaissance plane and the RF-4 Phantom, in which he conducted photo-reconnaissance missions over North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. His decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak-leaf cluster. "He dearly loved to fly," said his wife, Elaine Bouchard. "His buddy was joining the Air Force and invited him to come. The ironic thing is he [Richard] made a career out of it, and the other fellow didn't make it in." Bouchard retired from the Air Force in 1973 after nearly 23 years with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1976, Bouchard became the backup pilot reporting on traffic for WDBO-AM radio. He accepted the job of full-time traffic reporter three years later and continued doing that until his retirement in 1993. He also reported on traffic for WFTV-Channel 9 for nine years. Family was very important to Bouchard, his wife said. He met her through the radio station when she won a breakfast in a contest. He offered to let her fly with him, and she took him up on the offer. "I went flying with him and found we had a lot in common, and one thing led to another and here we are," she said. "You know what? It was on Valentine's Day." Bouchard was a member of First Baptist Church of Orlando, where he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and participated in drama presentations. He also is survived by a son, Robert Bouchard of Los Angeles; three daughters, Bonne Summers of Shreveport, La., Kristina Bouchard and Rebecca Bouchard of Orlando; and two grandsons. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha, is handling arrangements. |
Roger Cleary
Daily Commercial-Leesburg 8/30/2003 Roger Manning Cleary, 81, of Tavares, died Wednesday, August 27, 2003 in Tavares, Fla. Roger was born in Manistee, Michigan on October 26, 1921 to Leo and Gertrude Cleary. He is survived by his wife, Helen Cleary of Tavares; his son, Stephen David Cleary of Palatine, Ill., and his wife, Sue, and their three daughters, Andrea, Vanessa and Alexus; a daughter, Susan Beyer, husband Ernie, of Novato, Calif. and Heather and Mario Bynum and two-great-grandchildren. Roger had college degrees from the University of Michigan and a Graduate degree from Indiana University. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadets of the U.S. Army Air Corps and served from 1942 to 1946 in the States, England, and Germany and served in the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey, analyzing the effects of Pinpoint Bombing on the German Machine Tool Industry. Back in the States, he worked for several Motion Picture companies, including his own, Roger Cleary Productions. He did TV work for Inside Michigan Magazine, and wrote and co-produced the "Life in Detroit" TV series for Life Magazine. He worked with most of the domestic automotive manufacturers at one time or another, and was the Hollywood, Calif. Account Executive for the Western 15 States on the Chrysler Corporation Account for Leo Burnett Co. from 1958 to 1968. Roger worked with ABC TV, NBC TV and retired from the Consumer Publications Division of CBS in 1984. He worked part-time at WLBE-AM 790 . Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Lake County. As a final note, Roger sends his love and joy of living to all those whose lives have touched his and his family's and wishes them total goodness and God's ultimate blessings in their lives. PEACE. Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg. |
Vance Tyler Daytona Beach News Journal August 1, 2003 Vance Leite Tyler, of North Atlantic Avenue, a radio personality on WNDB-AM 1150 morning talk show and a broadcaster with WVYB-FM 103.3, died Tuesday July 29, 2003 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at home, according to police reports. He was 52. Tyler formerly owned and operated the American Career Institute, a broadcasting school affiliated with WNDB that trained students for a career in radio. He later became a member of the "Dave & Company" morning show on WNDB-AM radio. On-air personalities Dave Laing and Shannon Pierce said Tyler's legacy will live on through his students, as he helped launch hundreds of broadcasting careers. Another of Tyler's peers, Black Crow (Broadcasting) operations manager and WHOG-FM 95.7 on-air personality Frank Scott, said, "Vance was highly respected in the broadcasting industry. His work ethic and dedication to the industry was second to none. More importantly, he was genuinely a great person and a friend to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him." Tyler moved to this area in 1973 from his birthplace, Jacksonville. He was an avid Miami Dolphins fan and enjoyed the beach. Survivors include a daughter, Amanda Collins, Winter Park, and two grandchildren. Ormond Funeral Home is in charge. |
2002 Richard "Dick" Shiflett Jr.The Tampa Tribune As a child, friends said that Richard "Dick" Shiflett Jr. was born with a microphone in his mouth. It was that talent that made him perfect for a job as a radio announcer, a position that made him and his voice recognizable in the Plant City area. On Monday, October 28, 2002, the radio voice was silenced. Shiflett, 54, died after a battle with cancer. His wife, Ann Shiflett, remembered her husband as a man who was loved by his family and the community. When doctors told him he had cancer in June, his first thoughts were of his family. His son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Angela, were expecting twins. "I can't die now, I have twins on the way," Ann remembered him saying. The twins were born in July. He was a dedicated husband and father who served as PTA president for every school his children attended, she said. He also coached the sports teams his son played on. "He stayed busy," Ann Shiflett said. Friends this week said Dick Shiflett's contributions to Plant City will not be forgotten. "He was a friend and boss," said Kevin MacKenzie, who replaced Shiflett as general manager and morning drive announcer at the Southern gospel music station WTWB-AM 1570 in Auburndale. "He was a good Christian man. He had a love for people.' As an announcer, Shiflett did a job that was his calling, said Mayor Mike Sparkman, a longtime friend. "He was just a real down-to-earth person," Sparkman said. At WTWB, he became known as the sportscaster for the Auburndale football team where he was known as "The Voice of the Bloodhounds." He started his career at now defunct WPLA-AM 910 in Plant City, where he worked for 24 years. He came to the station after graduating from Plant City High School. Al Berry, who was one of the owners of that station, described Shiflett as a man who wore many hats. "He did just about everything there was at the station ," Berry said. "He was conscientious and a hard worker. "I had a lot of respect for Dick," he said. "He was very dependable." While at WPLA he did play-by-play for the Plant City Raiders basketball and football teams. He also was an announcer for the Florida Strawberry Festival parades. Shiflett was a member of the Plant City Civitan Club, past president of the Plant City Raiders Booster program, a member of the East Hillsborough Historical Society, and an announcer for Pioneer Day events. Shiflett was also an insurance salesman. Shiflett's funeral was held Thursday at First Baptist Church of Plant City, where more than 400 attended. About the same number attended the wake on Wednesday evening. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ann, his son, Christopher, a daughter, Angela, and numerous other relatives. |
Otis Boggs:
Longtime 'Voice of the Gators' The "Voice of the Gators" on WRUF for more than 40 years is silent. Otis Boggs died Aug. 28 in Gainesville. He was 82. Boggs began his long career on WRUF-AM 850 in 1939 and became play-by-play announcer in 1940. He left that role in 1982. He was honored as an alumnus of distinction in the College in 1989 and was named to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. Boggs teamed with Robert "Bob" Leach ("The Bob and Otis Show") and later Jim Finch ("The OJ Show"), for popular morning talk shows on WRUF-AM. Leach died in February 1986, and Finch died Feb. 24 at the age of 69. |
Esther White
Kuffel |
Sandridge |
Gregory Donald Wells |
Butch Prevatt
5-13-01 |
Morton Downey Jr. |
"Hap" Leatherwood |
Edna "Mickie"
Reck The Orlando Sentinel Edna "Mickie" E. Reck, 78, Horseshoe Falls Drive, Ormond Beach, died Monday, Oct. 30. Mrs. Reck was former assistant manager of radio station, Sanford. Born in LaGrange, Ga., she moved to Central Florida in 1953. She was a member of Tomoka United Methodist Church, Ormond Beach. Survivors: daughter, Barbara Ellefson, Thomson, Ill.; son, William A., Canton, N.C.; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. |
Dick Sheetz |
Bell |
"Rocking Ron" Maher |
Ercelle Smith
4-18-00 |
William Masi Newark Star-Ledger February 20, 2000 A Mass for William Masi, 94, of Longwood, Fla., a former New Jersey resident, will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, South Orange, following the funeral from the Joseph W. Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave., South Orange. Mr. Masi, who died Wednesday February 16, 2000 in the South Seminole Hospital, Longwood, retired as the superintendent of the Brick Church branch of the U.S. Post Office, East Orange, 39 years ago after working there for 36 years. He also owned the Bill Masi Radio Network, South Orange, NJ and Longwood, FL., and WHBI, Newark, WBGC, Chipley, Fla., WVCF-AM 1480, Ocoee, Fla., and WWJZ-AM 1400, Sanford, Fla. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 766, Orlando, Fla., and a Cavaliere Knight, an honor he received from the Republic of Italy in 1967. Born in New York City, he lived in South Orange for 50 years before moving to Florida 20 years ago. Surviving are his wife, Mertice E.; a grandchild and a great-grandchild. |
Radio Pioneer Fraser Dies-The Winter
Park Resident Was Proud Of A Career Spent As ``A Trusted Messenger.'' THE ORLANDO SENTINEL - Saturday, January 29, 2000 Author: Jim Abbott of The Sentinel Staff Although not as well known as Edward R. Murrow, Winter Park resident Gordon Fraser was a pioneer in the early days of radio and television news. Fraser, who died Thursday at 91, was the on-camera announcer when President Franklin D. Roosevelt presided over a historic demonstration of a new curiosity called ``television'' at the 1939 New York World's Fair. In a lengthy radio career that started in 1932, Fraser delivered historic radio accounts of World War II battles and helped launch NBC's Monitor radio program in 1955. That show, a weekend round-the-clock radio program of news and feature reports, was carried by stations around the country. It foreshadowed an era when news would be widely reported through shared resources of radio and television stations. ``He was not a household name, but he contributed to the households of a generation,'' said former Rollins College President Thaddeus Seymour, now a Rollins English professor. "That show was really a very important contribution to journalism in the early days." For 19 years, Fraser was a top writer, producer, editor and correspondent for the program. "My life has been a privilege,'' Fraser said in a 1989 interview. "I've been a messenger. And when you're a trusted messenger, it's a privilege." Born in Lawrence, Mass., in 1908, Fraser moved to Central Florida in 1974 from Manhasset, N.Y. He began working at Rollins station WPRK-FM 91.5 in 1978, the year Seymour became president. He was drawn to the job because of his enthusiasm for teaching and his love for the medium, Seymour said. "He turned up one day to ask if he could help with the student radio station,'' Seymour said. ``In his most charitable way, he was suggesting that maybe he could help the students pronounce things better. They needed him." Seymour was delighted to realize that, as a 10-year-old boy in 1938, he had been a devoted listener to Fraser's "Five-star Final" radio show on a New York AM station. "It was a show that dramatized the day's events," Seymour said. ``We used to say that we were the only two people in the world who would have remembered it. He wrote it and I listened to it. "You heard Hitler talking to Mussolini or you heard the fireman talking at the scene of a fire,'' Seymour continued. "He was a very, very creative and imaginative person who thought about the medium and the ways that it could be different from newspapers and magazines." At Rollins, Fraser bridged the generation gap to inspire the same enthusiasm in students of another generation. "Time after time I would see a new student come to the radio station and the other students would say, "You've got to listen to this guy. He's old, but he knows everything," said Susan Cohn Lackman, Rollins professor and WPRK-FM 91.5 General Manager. "It was a marvelous thing to see how the students loved him." Fraser is survived by a son, James S., of Tiburon, Calif.; daughters, Faith Sarah Tilton of New York; and Jane Fraser Riffle of Bellevue, Ohio; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Carey Hand Garden Chapel Home for Funerals is handling arrangements. Copyright 2000 Sentinel Communications Co. |
Tycoon Jim
Walter dies at 77 |
Harry D. Cup
(Michael Christian) |
Lasko |
C. Tillman Sr. |
E. Bierly |
1998 |
Stephen M. Gill, 48, of Winter Haven, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998, in Metairie, La. Published in the Winter Haven News Chief: Saturday, December 5, 1998 at 4:01AM Mr. Gill, vice president of Anscombe Broadcasting Group, Ltd., assumed the general manager's position at the Winter Haven radio station WSIR-AM 1490 in April of this year. He had 30 years of broadcasting experience both as an on-air reporter and anchor and management. Before helping to found the Anscombe Broadcasting Group, he was prominent in the television news industry, where he managed news departments in cities across the country including New Orleans, Jackson, Miss., Buffalo, N.Y., and Milwaukee. A "news turnaround specialist," he earned a nation reputation for taking third-rated television stations and quickly improving their ratings. His extensive experience also included the research and building of equipment including satellite uplinks and microwave broadcasting equipment. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie, his father, a sister, and brother-in-law. |
Host Bloch Dies 3-10-1988 |
Eiland COCOA BEACH -Theodore A. "Ted" Eiland, a retired television executive, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge. He was 81. Mr. Eiland grew up in Logan, W.Va. After graduating from the University of West Virginia with a journalism degree, he served in the Navy as a lieutenant during World War II. Mr. Eiland began his career in broadcasting in Charleston, W.Va. "Capt. John Kennedy was a speaker at his graduation and was very impressed with Ted. He owned a radio station in Charleston and asked Ted to come and work for him," said his wife of 51 years, Lillian Eiland of Cocoa Beach. In 1970, Mr. Eiland moved to Brevard to own and operate WKKO(-AM 860) radio station in Cocoa. He retired from broadcasting in 1975, and became a lecturer in communications at Western Carolina University. The Eilands returned to Cocoa Beach in 1978. Throughout his life, Mr. Eiland maintained an active interest in the theater. He appeared in numerous plays in Melbourne and Cocoa Beach and traveled with the one-man show "Clarence Darrow". Matt Roush, a former Today critic, was quoted as saying, "'Clarence Darrow' is a provocative, stirring entertainment delivered with great style and energy by one of Brevard's best actors." Mr. Eiland also wrote the play "The Most Dangerous Woman," which won a national award and was performed in New York City. The play also was aired on PBS. "He was a very talented, compassionate man with a sense of humor and a great deal of integrity along with that," his wife said. Other survivors include his sons, Howard Eiland of Sharon, MA, Stuart Eiland or Winchester, VA, Robert Eiland of Northborough, MA, and Richard Eiland of Orlando; and seven grandchildren. No calling hours are scheduled. Services are at 11:30 a.m. today at Surfside Playhouse in Cocoa Beach. Burial will be in West Virginia. |
Bill Miller MILLER, WILLIAM R. ""BILL,'' 74, of Inverness, died Friday, Nov. 8, 1996 at Citrus Memorial Hospital. He came here several years ago from his native Orlando, and was an electronics engineer for WRZN-720 AM, Hernando, and an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Crystal River Users Group, VFW Post 4337, and a Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Sarah "Maxine''; a son, Gary, Fort Meade, Md.; a daughter, Debbie Tarrasky, Bellingham, Mass.; his mother, Zaidee Miller, Inverness; and two grandchildren. |
Bill Thompson |
1995 Morning Man Perry Moore PassesPerry Moore, a radio funny man who woke up more Central Floridians than any other disc jockey throughout the 1970s and early '80s, has died. He was 50. Moore died Friday, September 12,1995 of heart failure. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at the Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home on Lake Ivanhoe. Burial is at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park. Moore was Orlando's top-rated morning disc jockey for most of the 1970s and '80s on WDBO-AM 580. He left the station in 1984 after 14 years. After a short break, he went to work at other Orlando-area stations, both on the air and in sales, but he never again attained the same success. ''Perry was the morning man,'' said Tom Kensington, his former boss at WDBO and now manager of film and television development at Disney-MGM Studios. Said Ron Hill, who worked as WDBO's morning news anchor opposite Moore for about a year, ''He was a good morning guy who would wake you up and make you smile.'' For a time, Moore headed a lineup at the station that included Jim Turner, Clive Thomas and Morton Downey Jr. ''He was funny. He was very quick-witted,'' said Bud Brewer, former on-air personality at WDBO, as well as WWNZ-AM 740 and WLOQ-FM 103.1 and now head of marketing at Massey Services Inc. Friends and family said Monday they remembered Moore as a community activist and sports enthusiast. He served as president of the University of Central Florida Gridiron Club and the Tangerine Sports Association, predecessor of the Florida Citrus Sports Association. Moore is survived by his wife, Jackie, of Orlando, daughter Rachel Finklea of San Diego and son Tom Finklea of Encinitas, Calif. |
Dick Bennick |
1994 Howard MillerIn 1978, Miller Broadcasting purchased WMMB-AM 1240. Miller Broadcasting was owned by Chicago radio personality Howard Miller. Miller also owned WRRR-AM 1150, Rockford, IL, WFXW-AM 1480, Geneva, IL and WGGG-AM 1230,Gainesville. Known as "Uncle Moo Moo" in Chicago radio, he was the #1 Morning Personality from 1947-1968 in Chicago, on WIND. In the 1950's, Howard was also on the CBS following Arthur Godfrey's program. Howard was sponsored by Wrigley's Gum and he would interview the "stars" of the day. When he left WIND, over an on-air controversy, he was pulling in 58% of the morning audience. Howard was a conservative (Republican) talk show host, the controversy involved Howard's defense of the Chicago Police Department during the politically charged summer of 1968. Howard died on Nov. 6,1994. |
Julian Stenstrom
Raymond Howard Kremer
4-3-94 |
WLBE Radio Manager
Smith Dies |
Daytona Beach News-Journal May 11, 1993 Andrew Borman Welch, 29, known locally as Prince Andrew, a disc jockey at WROD(-AM 1340) radio station for the past five years, died Wednesday at home after a short illness. Mr. Welch was born in Cincinnati. Survivors include his patents, Shirley and Anthony Welch, Ormond Beach; a brother, Kurt, Deltona; and three sisters, Kimberly, Cincinnati, Elizabeth, Dallas, and Catherine, Daytona Beach. |
G. Max Kimbrel |
Jon Alexander
12-8-92 |
Wilfrid C. Meloon
8-10-92 |
Joe Gratz
6-14-92 |
1991 Orlando Sentinel February 24, 1991 COLUMBUS GARFIELD ''CHARLIE'' WILLIAMS, 92, 907 Wooden Blvd., Orlando, died Thursday (Feb.21). Born in Webster, he moved to Orlando from there in 1921. He was a retired bellman for the Angebilt Hotel. He was a member of the Mount Olive Church. He was a Navy veteran of World War I. Survivors: wife, O'See F.; daughters, Senorita Locklear, Daytona Beach, Dorothy W. Hunter, Brooklyn, N.Y.; brother, Freddy (Williams), Jacksonville; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Brinson's Funeral Home, Orlando. Charlie Was Doorman But Became A Legend February 27, 1991 By Bob Morris of The Sentinel Staff In memory: Columbus Garfield ''Charlie'' Williams died last week. Longtime Orlandoans will remember him as ''Lobby Charlie,'' former doorman at the old Angebilt Hotel (renovated now as part of the Orange County court complex.) In 1922, Williams was working on a construction crew at the hotel when he fell off a sixth-floor beam. A sand pile cushioned his landing, but he lost an eye. ''The hotel offered him a job for life,'' said James Jenkins, a friend and fellow hotel employee. ''Charlie sure took them at their word on that.'' After the Angebilt opened in 1923, Charlie signed on as doorman and remained there until 1972, when he began losing sight in his other eye. ''He was a downtown institution. Always ready with a smile, a story,'' remembered Tom Neal, a retired Orlando engineer who, along with plenty of other downtowners used to frequent the hotel's popular Roundup Room, the closest watering hole to the county courthouse. When WLOF(-AM 1230) radio had its studio at the Angebilt, Williams would occasionally go on the air, reading poems he had written. ''He was a pretty good poet. But he could not be beat as a hotel doorman,'' Jenkins said. ''He was as fast as a cat. A car would pull up out front, and Charlie would be outside with its door open before the driver knew he'd stopped.'' Services are today at 1 p.m. at the Mount Olive AME Church in Orlando. Columbus Garfield ''Charlie'' Williams, survived by his wife, O'See, and two daughters, was 92. |
Peikin 4-8-91 |
1989 |
Lueck, WNDB Radio Personality, Dies DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL - Monday, March 6, 1989 |
Radio personality John
W. Payne dies |
1988 |
Jackson May
18, 1988 Rockledge Maurice B. Jackson, 70, a radio broadcaster and advertising salesman died Friday, May 13, of a heart attack in Birmingham, Ala., where he was to attend his high school reunion. Mr. Jackson, of 975 Cardon Drive, Rockledge, was a Brevard County resident for 20 years. Born in Birmingham he was a disc jockey and talk-show host in Ohio and Brevard at WJZX-AM 860 in Cocoa, formerly WKKO-AM 860. He also worked as an advertising account executive in the Brevard bureau of The Orlando Sentinel. MR. Jackson was last employed as a salesman with Stateside Auto Supply Co. on Merritt Island. He fought in World War II with the Army. Survivors include his son, Allen Jackson; and two grandchildren. |
1987 |
Bob Keith
10-26-87 |
1976 John Patrick Beacom Founder of Beacom Broadcasting Enterprises and original owner of WJPB-AM 1220 in Kissimmee, John Patrick Beacom died at the age of 72 on January 3, 1976. Beacom also served as Member of West Virginia state house of delegates from Cabell County, in 1933, was also a member of West Virginia state senate 5th District from 1935-38 and then as Mayor of Port St. Lucie County. |