In Memory

Thanks to Pete Simonson for the suggestion of remembering our radio friends who have passed on.  We'll include our own articles as well as obituaries. 

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.

1987 
Bill Hess
Floyd William ''Bill'' Hess original owner of WEUS-AM 1240, Eustis died at age 70.

Bob Keith
October 28, 1987  Obituary from the Orlando Sentinel
Bob Keith, a former Orlando city commissioner and radio and television personality, died Monday, October 26, 1987 after a seven-year battle with cancer. He was 59. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Keith was a disc jockey and hosted a rock 'n' roll show on WLOF-AM (950). ''All the kids loved it,'' said city clerk Grace Chewning. ''That was what we listened to in high school. 'In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Keith took the show to television with the Channel 9 Bandstand. ''He was real tall and thin and had this real resonant voice,'' Chewning said. ''He was our own Dick Clark.'' ''He was part of the glory days -- the rock 'n' roll days,'' said Bud Brewer, who worked with Keith at WLOQ-FM 103.1 in the late 1970s. In 1974, Keith was elected city commissioner for District 3 in the non- partisan election. He campaigned on a promise of independence from Mayor Carl Langford, and friends said he worked hard to stick to it. ''His disposition was to try to get along with everybody,'' said Todd Persons, who covered the city council for WCPX-Channel 6. ''But he really did try hard to be his own man.''  Arthur ''Pappy'' Kennedy, who served on the council from 1972 to 1980, said Keith was an outspoken commissioner. Yet he also remained open to ideas and was ''concerned about seeing things go smoothly,'' Kennedy said. Keith lost a re-election bid in 1978 and ran an unsuccessful race for the Orange County Commission in 1982. He retired from politics and became a real estate agent. He was in the public eye again last year as a central figure in the trial of restaurateur Champ Williams on charges of bribing public officials. Keith said that when he was on the city council he had favored Williams on an important vote. Keith was in Williams' office, he said, when Williams told him he appreciated his help and stuck a roll of cash in the commissioner's pocket. Keith said he returned the money, told Williams he was insulted and left. However, state prosecutors also charged that Williams made illegal campaign contributions to Keith and other politicians by passing on his money through others. Keith said he didn't know that the money came from Williams, and no charges were filed against him. The state's charges against Williams were later thrown out for lack of evidence. Keith, 3213 Eagle Blvd., was born in Sanford and moved to Orlando from Minneapolis in 1937. He was a Coast Guard veteran and a member of First Baptist Church of Orlando, where services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday.

1988
Jim Mitchell 
GENE FORREST ''JIM'' MITCHELL, 52, 1600 Bigtree Road, Daytona Beach, died Friday, December 23, 1988. Born in Hope, Ark., he moved to Daytona Beach from Orlando in 1986. He was a broadcasting news director for WROD-AM 1340 radio and a stock market analyst. He was a Baptist. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was a recipient of the Katie Award for best spot news coverage in TV and of the best editorial award from the UPI Broadcasting Association. Survivors: wife, Linda K.; son, Dennis, Dallas; stepsons, Hayes and Randy Henderson, both of Orlando; daughter, Misti Pickett, Tyler, Texas; mother, Elvia R., Casselberry; brother, Edward Byron, Garland, Texas; sister, Fran Wilson, Casselberry; five grandchildren. 

1989
Dick Norman Killed In Crash   
Former Orlando radio talk-show host Dick Norman, who survived 20 years as a wire service reporter in Latin America,  was killed in a traffic accident as he pulled out of a convenience store parking lot, authorities said. Dick Nutting, who went by the name Dick Norman on the air, was pronounced dead at the scene after a pickup truck struck his car broadside at 10:20 a.m. Thursday, January 24, 1984, said Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff Louis Argote. Nutting, 46, worked for WKIS-AM 740 from February 1984 until November 1986. He was the station's afternoon talk show host and at one point was the station's operations manager, said Ken Charles, executive producer at WWNZ-AM 740. He most recently was working for WFLA-AM 970 in Tampa. Nutting was pulling into traffic in a 1989 Chrysler from a Circle K parking lot when a 1986 Ford Bronco driven by Tommy Ledford, 30, struck the car on the driver's side, Argote said. The sheriff's department was investigating the accident, but no charges had been filed Thursday. Nutting won two Emmy awards and an Overseas Press Club award during his 23 years in journalism, said WFLA news anchor Don Richards in Tampa. ''Dick was straightforward. You always knew where he stood,'' Charles said. ''He was a very talented talk show host. He had a good feel for what people were looking for. He had a very quick wit.''

Howard Miller
In 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. 

1990
Joe Brechner
Orlando Sentinel February 27, 1990
By Charlie Jean Of The Sentinel Staff
Joseph L. Brechner, a philanthropist and leader of Central Florida's civic, cultural and communications communities, died Monday, February 24, 1990. Brechner, 75, of Winter Park, a founder and former principal owner of WFTV-Channel 9, died in Florida Hospital of complications after major heart surgery two weeks ago. He was a patron of the arts, author, racial relations peacemaker and battler for an unfettered press. He was a leader in the campaign to admit cameras into courtrooms around the state and donated $1 million to the University of Florida's School of Journalism and Communications for a Freedom of Information Center. ''For more than 30 years Joe was involved in every phase of Orlando life,'' said a close friend and former employee, Reggie Moffat. ''He had a unique ability to get things done, to bypass animosity and get to the heart of problems.'' ''Joe was a unique guy,'' Orlando businessman Jerry Chicone said. ''He was active in a lot of diverse activities. . . . He  probably will be remembered not only for his cultural contributions but for his work in keeping harmony between the faiths and the races.'' He was president and general manager of the Mid-Florida Television Corp., which was created to establish Channel 9. The  station was sold in 1984. The son of immigrants, Brechner was born in Fall River, Mass., and in 1934 begin editing and publishing a weekly shopper  newspaper in Detroit. He founded his first radio station in Silver Spring, Md., in 1946 - his springboard to a career in radio, television, promotions and advertising. His Orlando career began in 1953 when he acquired part ownership of radio station WLOF(-AM 950). In 1958, he founded Channel 9 and began his career in television. At various times, he also owned radio and television stations in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In the 1950s, as racial unrest tormented the country, Brechner moved to head it off in Orlando. He went to Mayor Bob Carr and warned: ''Not only is the situation in the black community unfair and dishonest, it is going to  explode in our faces unless we do something about it . . . and soon.'' Carr heeded his words and in 1956 formed the city's first Human Relations Committee, which worked to improve interracial relations. ''Joe was one of Orlando's first clear voices of civil rights,'' Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick said. ''He was tireless. He was caring. ''Much of what this community was able to achieve in the early days of the civil rights movement was the result of Joe's efforts.'' Brechner was a leader in the fight to bring junior colleges to Florida. A columnist for The Sentinel Star, now The Orlando Sentinel, from 1970 to 1977, he led a fight in the 1960s to head off special interest efforts to restrict media coverage of the courts. He was a driving force behind and former president of the Central Florida Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Brechner and his television and radio stations won numerous awards. He had served as president of the Orlando Area Advertising Club, district governor of the Advertising Federation of America,  president of the Orlando Players Little Theater, member of the board of governors of the ABC-TV Affiliates Association,  national commissioner of the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith, chairman of the freedom of information committee of the Florida Association of Broadcasters and chairman of the Central Florida Civic Theater Building Campaign Committee. Brechner is survived by his wife, Marion; a son, Berl, Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.; brothers, Daniel, Silver Spring, and Sydney, Bellingham, Wash.; sisters, Gertrude Cohen and Edith Klinger, both of Los Angeles, and two grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Yank Frank Memorial Chapel at the Temple Israel Cemetery on Old Winter Garden Road. The Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel in Orlando is in charge of arrangements.

Carl Glicken
Carl Glicken, regional sales manager for WESH-Channel 2 television whose broadcast career spanned more than 30 years, died Wednesday September 10, 1990. He was 60. Glicken's career in the broadcast industry began with WALT-AM 1110 radio in Tampa. He was later a salesman for WYLD-AM 940 radio in New Orleans and then was named assistant manager at WFUN-AM 790 radio in Miami. He was national sales manager at WCIN-AM 1480 in Cincinnati, before returning to Tampa to serve as general manager at WDAE-AM 620 radio. He later joined Southern Broadcasting, working as manager of WKIX-AM 850 radio in Raleigh, N.C. In 1971, Glicken came to Orlando, where he was named president and general manager of Capital Broadcasting, which owned WLOF-AM 950 and WLOQ-FM 103.1 radio. In 1980, Glicken joined WESH TV 2 in Orlando. Glicken was active in trade and civic organizations. He was a past president of the Orlando Area Advertising Federation, a member of the board of directors of the Florida Association of Broadcasters, and chairman of the board of trustees for Crime Watch. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to a scholarship fund established in Glicken's name. Donations should be addressed to the Carl Glicken Broadcast Scholarship Fund, Orlando Area Advertising Federation, P.O. Box 1614, Orlando, 32802.

1991
Helen Peikin  
Helen Peikin Finke, a feisty senior citizens advocate known to thousands in Central Florida through her newspaper, television and radio commentaries, died Monday, April 8, 1991. She was 76. Immaculately groomed and always wearing a hat, the diminutive Philadelphia native wrote ''Speakin' with Peikin,'' an advice column for seniors in the The Orlando Sentinel in the 1970s and early 1980s. Her radio and television shows began in 1961 and aired periodically for 25 years. ''Some called her feisty - she was 90 pounds of dynamite,'' said her husband, Rene Finke. In 1978, Peikin was elected to represent 90,000 senior citizens of Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties as a senator in the Silver-Haired Legislature, a mock legislative session in Tallahassee focusing on senior issues. Peikin walked out on the first day of the session in protest of the conditions of the lodging provided by Florida State University. When her replacement, Leo Ware, blasted Peikin for the walkout, she responded in her usual hard-boiled manner, ''I don't give a damn what anybody else thinks.'' Peikin annually hosted Senior Season kickoff at the Atlantis Theater at Sea World, drawing crowds of more than 4,000 seniors. ''She was the leading advocate for the aged in this area,'' said Charles Unkovic, professor of sociology at the University of Central Florida, which gave her the Golden Rule Award. ''She knew all the important people. She would think nothing of picking up the phone and calling the governor'' to help a senior citizen who had a problem. 

1992
Wilfrid C. Meloon, 74, 748 Jasmine Ave., Orange City, died Monday, Aug. 10, 1992.  Mr. Meloon was a Baptist minister. Born in Ossipee, NH, he moved to Central Florida in 1924. He was a Baptist and author of several Christian books. He was a former announcer for WVCF -AM 1480 Christian Radio in Windermere, and worked as a recording engineer for Christian Duplications Inc. International for several years.

Jon Alexander     Orlando Sentinel Dec 10, 1992
Jon Carroll Alexander 41, 620 Lucas Place, Merritt Island, died Tuesday, Dec. 8,1992 of cancer.  Mr. Alexander was the producer of a radio talk show for WWNZ -FM 104.1 in Orlando. Born in Maryville, Tenn., he moved to Central Florida in 1982. He was a member of Merritt Island Lodge 353 F&AM, Orlando Scottish Rite Consistory and Azan Shrine Temple, Melbourne. Survivors: parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Alexander Jr., Merritt Island; sister, Elizabeth Phillips, Indialantic. Wylie-Baxley Merritt Island Funeral Home, Merritt Island.

Orlando Sentinel  Dec 12, 1992  Catherine Hinman of The Sentinel Staff
Talk radio fans were stunned Tuesday to learn that Jon Alexander, producer and sidekick of The Philips Phile on 
WWNZ-AM 740 and WWNZ-FM 104.1, had died of cancer at his parents' home in Merritt Island. The fun-loving, easy-going personality and close friend of talk show host Jim Philips was 41. Not until 5:50 p.m. Tuesday, when Philips came on the air to announce Alexander's death, did the show's listeners know why Alexander had not been on the air for a month. Operations director Allen Wilkerson said Alexander left the station because of his illness but he did not want it made public because he did not want pity. Alexander had been with WWNZ for about five years, and in the past two years he had become a regular voice on Philips' show. ''Whenever Jim needed a conscience, Jon's mike was opened up so he could be the devil's advocate,'' said Dean Chapman, who reports traffic for WWNZ. After his friend's death, Philips took three days off. In paying tribute to Alexander on Tuesday, Philips played one of his friend's favorite songs: Van Morrison's ''So Quiet in Here.''

G. Max Kimbrel
Tampa Tribune  December 29, 1992 
G. MAX KIMBREL, 75, of Lake Wales died Sunday at home. A native of Albion, Ill., he is a former resident of Haines City and had lived in Lake Wales 40 years. He founded radio station WIPC-AM 1280 in 1951 and retired as district manager of Storer Cable Television of Florida. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy, and member of Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven and Lake Wales Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife, Joan; five daughters, Karla Allen of Brandon, Jeri of Tallahassee, Gail of Harrison, Ark., Judy Kennedy of West Plains, Mo., and Tanya Southwood of Chicago; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Johnson Funeral Home, Lake Wales.

1993
Gene Smith
Eugene F. ''Gene'' Smith-General Manager-WLBE-AM 790-1970s, early 1980s, and again in the early 1990s died of cancer in August 1993.

1994
Raymond Howard Kremer  
Raymond Howard Kremer a Mount Dora radio producer who participated in the famous Orson Wells broadcast of War of the Worlds that panicked the nation in 1938, died Friday, April 3, 1994 after a long illness. He was 84. Kremer, who had lived in Lake County since 1972, had a long career as a pioneer in radio . He wrote, produced and did special effects for Mercury Theater, Popeye and Gangbusters, among other radio shows. He also worked in television advertising. He was a sound effects man during CBS' tense radio dramatization of H.G. Wells' story about the invasion of earth by Martians. Although an announcement was made at the start of the broadcast that it was only a radio program, it was so realistic - complete with news bulletins and on-the-spot reports - many believed it actually was happening. It was heard by about 6 million people and has come to be regarded as the ultimate prank. The radio network was deluged by hysterical callers. Kremer also was credited with using the first instant replays during college football games in 1951. He was working with NBC in advertising, and the network televised the NCAA game of the week. Kremer came up with the idea of taking cameras to the second best game and recording highlights. At the time, all the telecasts of major sporting events were shown live. This was the first use of video recording equipment for sports. A native of Danforth, Ill., he served two terms as mayor of Plandome Heights, N.Y., from 1968 to 1972. He moved to Mount Dora , where he worked for the National Association of Farm Broadcasters until retiring in 1982. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Mount Dora , the Eustis Elks, the Rotary and the Mount Dora Yacht Club. He attended Northwestern University. Survivors include: wife, Eleanor; sons, Ron, Longwood, Richard, Pleasanton, Ga; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

1995
Morning Man Perry Moore Passes 
Perry 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.

1996
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; an d two grandchildren. 

1997
Larry Bessler
THE ORLANDO SENTINEL - August 26, 1997
LARRY BESSLER , 47, Highland Avenue, Winter Garden, died Monday, Aug. 25. Mr. Bessler was a radio announcer and program and production director. Born in St. Louis, he moved to Central Florida in 1954. Survivors: sisters, Bonnie Litteral, Winter Garden, Joan Crutcher, West Melbourne, Cheri Fleming, Gatlinburg, Tenn. Beacon's National Cremation Society, Winter Park. Larry worked at WKIS-AM 740 as well as WMMB-AM 1240.

1998
Ted Eiland
THEODORE A. EILAND, 81, 3873 S. Banana River Blvd., Cocoa Beach, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1998. Mr. Eiland was a television executive. He was also an owner and operator of WKKO-AM 860 radio station in Cocoa. Born in Logan, W.Va., he moved to Central Florida in 1970. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors: wife, Lillian; sons, Howard, Sharon, Mass., Stuart, Winchester, Va., Robert, Northborough, Mass., Richard, Orlando; seven grandchildren. Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, Cocoa Beach.

George Mizelle   
George E. Mizelle, 70, of Mango Tree Drive, former owner and announcer for WSBB-AM 1230 in New Smyrna Beach, died Thursday October 22, 1998, at home. Mr. Mizelle, an Army veteran, was born in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., and came here in 1982 from Abington, Va. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, American Association of Retired Persons and Mental Health Association. He also was a radio announcer for 30 years for WMEV, Marion, Va. Survivors include his wife, Deborah. Baldwin-Hughey, New Smyrna Beach, is in charge.

1999
George Utter
This obituary appeared in the Daytona Beach News Journal on April 14, 1999.
DAYTONA BEACH  George "Harold" Utter, 59, of Guava Drive, owner of Beacon Engineering, died Sunday at home. Mr. Utter, an Army veteran of the Radio Corps, came to this area in 1944 from his native Jacksonville. He also worked as a radio station engineer for stations WGNE(-FM 98.1), WPUL(-AM 1590), WYND(-AM 1310) and WXVQ(-AM 1490). He was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and N.A.B.E.R. He enjoyed amateur radio operating. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Kathryn, two sons, Ronald and Robert, both of Daytona Beach; a daughter, Susan Tuten, Orange City; and six grandchildren. Volusia County Cremation Society is in charge.

Frank Lasko
LASKO BROUGHT LAUGHTER TO `SCOOTER & CO.' SHOW
THE ORLANDO SENTINEL - August 20, 1999 
Author: Jim Abbott of The Sentinel Staff
In a broadcasting career that spanned three decades, newsman Frank Lasko developed a style that always involved listeners.
``He was one of the most unique news people I ever heard,'' said Bill Fries, former program director at oldies station 105.9 FM (WOCL). ``He was like your next-door neighbor.'' Lasko, whose radio ``neighborhood'' was WOCL's popular Scooter & Co. morning show, died of liver cancer shortly before 3 a.m. Thursday at his Orlando home. He was 54. Lasko was a morning-show fixture from 1988 until this past April, when the show was disbanded as part of a format change. Lasko then was hired as an associate producer at Central Florida News 13, a 24-hour cable news station owned by Time Warner Communications and The Orlando Sentinel. In July, Lasko was hospitalized with liver cancer, which doctors soon realized was inoperable. Lasko came home Wednesday, said his father, Frank Sr. After his mother, Ruth, died in 1996, the radio announcer had shared his home with his father. Lasko also is survived by brothers Jim and Ron, both of Twin Lakes, Wis. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is handling arrangements. Born in Chicago in 1944, Lasko moved to Central Florida from Miami in 1984. He was an Air Force veteran and a member of First Congregational Church in Winter Park. His colleagues at WOCL remember his knack for plant-care, making coffee and working notoriously bad puns into news stories. ``I could come in crabby and he could make me laugh,'' said Jack Dyer, who played the character Elvis Gorbechev. ``A lot of the laughter at the radio station was from Frank.''

2000
Harry D. Cup (Michael Christian) Posted 4-11-08
The Tampa Tribune - January 15, 2000
Polk City actor gone, but voice still speaks
Michael Christian, a 63-year-old voice actor known as Harry Cup, died Jan. 6 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of complications from heart disease. But his voice is far from silent. It is Christian's voice that cautions passengers on the tram at Tampa International Airport to stand clear of the doors and  hold the handrail. And it will be heard on radio and television commercials across the country.  "They had a joke in the industry: "When you want the voice of God, call Harry,' " said Christian's widow, Barbara, 58, of Polk City. The son of Hungarian immigrants, Christian, not his birth name, grew up in Elyria, Ohio, a small town outside Cleveland, she said. He began working in radio while he was in high school. He won a football scholarship to Purdue University, but he quit college to help support his family when his father died, she said. Through the years, he worked as a talk show host at radio stations across the country, including Philadelphia, Orlando, Winter Haven and Pinellas Park. He even had a hit country song in the early 1970s called "Green Grows the Valley," Barbara Christian said. Back then, he was known as Mike Adams. In 1974, Christian was host of a talk show in Winter Haven when he met Barbara, a champion swimmer, at Cypress Gardens. "He was walking around with a stupid duck," she said, "and he kept harassing me, telling me the duck could swim faster." They were married three weeks later. "It's like he had this aura," she said. "People were just attracted to him." The couple eventually opened a horse ranch for handicapped children in Polk City after they saw how much horseback riding helped their daughter, Reed, who is mentally disabled. Christian adopted his wife's daughter after they married. Physicians had offered no hope for Reed when she was born, said Barbara Christian, a special education teacher. But with help from her parents, Reed, who is now 36, has became a certified riding instructor and has a license to drive. Animals, as well as people, were attracted to his kind disposition, she said. And he loved to make others laugh. "He believed that humor was a forgotten art," she said. For the past couple of years, his heart had given him trouble, she said. In 1998, he had quadruple bypass surgery. In December, he was admitted to the hospital for congestive heart failure. But he was home with his family by Christmas. On Dec. 26, he took his daughter to the Bucs game even though he had trouble walking, Barbara Christian said. He didn't want to disappoint Reed, who had worn a Bucs jersey for the entire week before the game. Father and daughter happily watched the Bucs beat Green Bay. Within a week, Christian was back in the hospital, this time for a heart catheterization. On the afternoon of Jan. 5, he opened his eyes for the last time and mouthed the words, "I love you," to his wife. His wife and friends held a memorial service this week at Crisp-Coon Funeral Home, Winter Haven. They listened to "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend We Have in Jesus," sung by who else?  

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.

Ercelle Smith   
The Tampa Tribune  April 22, 2000
PLANT CITY - Albert Ercelle Smith, a local radio station owner and Florida Strawberry Festival board member, dies. Civic activist, Florida Strawberry Festival board member, local radio station owner and on-air personality, Albert Ercelle Smith died Tuesday, April 18, 2000. Smith, a 68-year-old native of Plant City, passed away at his home, said one of his daughters, Debbie Heaton. "Dad had been extremely ill for years," Heaton said. "But he was able to be in his home and to be in his yard that day." Smith, 68, is survived by his wife, Doris; his son, Clay, also of Plant City; two daughters, Heaton of Plant City and Janice Holloway of Lakeland; a sister, Vonelle Miles of Plant City; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Along with Al Berry, Smith owned and operated WPLA(-AM 910), Plant City's only radio station. "But I think it was more of a brotherly bond than a business bond," said Berry, also a member of the Florida Strawberry Festival Association's board of directors. Smith started working at WPLA in the late 1960s, according to Heaton. Smith's father, William, founded the station in the early 1950s "with the intent of a gospel station, to spread God's word," Heaton said. In later years, the station added country music to its format and a popular local talk show called "This n' That," according to Berry. The show ran between 8 and 10 a.m. on weekdays for almost 20 years in the 1970s and '80s, Berry said. Heaton recalled the show had a very casual, informal tone, well-set for a small agricultural community. "People called in and they shared their thoughts," Heaton said. "They traded and sold things on the air." Often, Smith would use the show as a pulpit to let residents know when a neighbor was in need and what they could do to help, Berry said. "He was always there if somebody got burned out of their home or something like that," Berry said. "He spent a lot of time helping people and he did it with a lot of vigor. He was very intense about what he did." Smith and Berry sold the station in 1987. The new owners changed its call letters and relocated the station to Tampa. In 1988, Smith joined the Florida Strawberry Festival Association as an associate director, said Patsy Brooks, general manager for the annual festival. Five years later, Smith became a member of the Florida Strawberry Festival's board of directors, Brooks said. "He worked on the steer show committee and he was chairman of the "Organic Olympics,' the rooster crowing and the milking contests," Brooks said. While hosting the "Organic Olympics," a cow chip throwing contest at the festival, Smith liked to inject his own brand of humor as errant chips occasionally flew into the audience. Smith even provided the chips from his farm in Wesley Chapel. In addition to his work at the radio station and the strawberry festival, Smith was an elder at the Plant City Church of Christ at 315 N. Wilder Road. In 1992, he was named Plant City's Citizen of the Year, an award given to one citizen in recognition for contributions to the community. Other winners include the late City Commissioner Sadye Martin, and Smith's on-air partner, Berry. "He did an awful lot of good for this community and he is going to be missed," Doris Smith said.

"Rocking Ron" Maher  7-5-2000
The familiar golden voice that graced the airwaves of almost every radio station in the Melbourne area was silenced this week with the passing of "Rocking Ron" Maher. He died Wednesday, July 5, 2000 at home. He was 49. Mr. Maher came to Brevard County in the early 80s from Cedar Knolls, N.J. He was a graduate of the RCA Institute in New York City. He began his radio career in New Jersey. He worked for GTO-860 in Cocoa. Then he worked for WMEL(-AM 920) on Turtle Mound Road, GOLD 95, and WMMB(-AM 1240) in Melbourne, where he hosted an oldies show. "He was the king of rock 'n' roll trivia," said his friend and co-worker, Nina Gold. His most recent position was as engineer, advertising copywriter and on-air personality for WTAI(-FM 107.1) and WTMS, which later became WA1A. He also was the early morning voice on the Nina Gold Show called "The Golden Hour". "I never saw anyone who could improvise as well as he did," Gold said. He entered his 35th year of broadcasting this season and was an active member of the theatre community. He appeared in several roles in the production of "The Boys Next Door," "Curious Savage," "Dearly Departed" and "Call Me Madam." He won numerous awards for radio acting and writing. He also was the 1992 FMPTA "Crystal Reel" award winner for best supporting actor in a locally produced motion picture. For the past three years, he has been partners with Allison McKay and Mavis Ray in "McKay's Masquers", a nonprofit children's theater, which tries to bring knowledge of theater and film history to young actors in Brevard County. The group began their summer camp this week. Mr. Maher was a member of the Famous Lambs Club and the Harbor City Harmonizers. Survivors include his sister, Diane Smith of Cedar Knolls, and niece, Deena Joan Smith of Cedar Knolls. No local calling hours are scheduled. A memorial service will be Aug. 28 at the Henegar Center for the Arts in Melbourne. Palm Bay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Florida, 880 N. Orange Ave., Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32801.

Dick Sheetz   October 9, 2000
Dick Sheetz joined WDIZ-FM 100.3 as program director in March of 1996. Dick came to Orlando from Portland, Oregon's classic rock station KGON-FM 92.3. It wasn't long before Paxson Broadcasting purchased WDIZ as well as WJRR-FM 101.1 and moved Dick Sheetz to program WJRR. In 1998 Dick, was nominated as Program Director of the Year in the mainstream rock category by Billboard/Airplay Monitor Magazine. On weekends, he co-hosted a diving show called "Scuba Radio" on 
WQTM-AM 540, as well as serving as Program Director. Sheetz earned industry attention for creating "Judgment Day", a WJRR show in which listeners rated new music. He was a guitar player and singer.  
In March of 2000, Dick took time off to recover from surgery. Clear Channel, owners of the station, would not comment on the nature of his illness. On Monday,  October 9, 2000 Dick lost his battle with a rare form of intestinal cancer. He was 47. 
Dick was native of Salem, Oregon. He left behind his wife, Julie and daughter, Natasha.

2001
Elmer White
Elmer White, Station manager and show host at Bartow's WBAR-AM 1460 died in 2001.

"Hap" Leatherwood 
Granville Grover "Hap" Leatherwood, 85, who was elected mayor of Beverly Beach in 1974, died Monday at home. Mr. Leatherwood, a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was born in Granger, Texas. He moved to Central Florida in 1960 from Jacksonville. Mr. Leatherwood, who enlisted in 1934, served aboard various battleships and destroyers in the Pacific Theater, was awarded seven battle stars, and retired as a chief signalman. He later worked for the Sunglow Pier, and gave early morning fishing broadcast reports on radio stations WNDB-AM 1150 and WROD-AM 1340. 

Walter "Jack" Kaufman Jr., 65 
Orlando Sentinel  August 11, 2001
MR. KAUFMAN, Oak Park Way, Orlando, died Saturday, July 28. He was a safety consultant. He also was the former owner of WGTW(-AM 1580) radio station in Leesburg. Born in Donora, Pa., he moved to Central Florida in 1976. He was a member of Winter Park Breakfast Club, American Society of Safety Engineers, National Safety Council and the National Fire Protection Association. He was an Army veteran. Survivors: son, Keith, Nashville, Tenn.; companion, JoAnn Parks, Orlando; stepdaughter, Sherri Inger, Orlando; four grandchildren. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home-Conway Chapel, Orlando.

2002
Richard "Dick" Shiflett Jr   10-28-02
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  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.

2003
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.

Richard Bouchard  
Col. Richard Bouchard-In 1976, Richard 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. Bouchard 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.

2004
Bill Leisner   
Bill Leisner the President and General Manager of WJLU-FM 89.7, New Smyrna Beach, died on January 7, 2004.

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. 

Keith 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.

2005
Orlando Radio Pioneer John Rutledge Passes
Mr. John Thomas Rutledge, Ocala, died on January 29, 2005 . See our John Rutledge Tribute

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. Bill was an Air Force Veteran, and an avid fisherman.


Steven Delay Passes 5-12-05
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  4-28-08
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 1300, WNTF 1580, WOKB 1600, WLAA 1680, WQBQ 1410, WKIQ 1240 and WRFV 910. 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 1300 in March 2005 and was awoken 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 up 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. 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 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

Wayne Trout  Passes Jun 2005
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.

Jack Wilson Passes 7-18-05
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.

George J. Duck   8-12-05
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.

Ernie Legge 12-8-05
Ernie Legge died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, at William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay, Fla. 
He was born May 28, 1927, in Chicago and moved with his family to Melbourne, Fla., in 1936. He was a 1945 graduate of Melbourne High School. He served briefly with the Navy before attending the University of Florida from 1946-47. He was a graduate from broadcasting school in California before returning to Melbourne and working at WMMB-AM 1240. In the early 1950s, he was a radio and television broadcaster in Orlando, Florida. In 1957 Ernie hosted the "WLOF Hot Parade" from Noon-3PM on WLOF-AM 950  he also became the first newscaster for WLOF-TV (now WFTV) in 1958. Following his return to Melbourne, Fla., he worked with WMEL-AM 920 as the space program reporter for many years, retiring in 1999 as the national regional sales manager.

Miguel Negron pioneer 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.

2006
Terry Mason Passes  Jan. 2006
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.

John Donahey Jr. 
John William Donahey Jr., 70, of La Jardin, a former owner of WTAI-FM 107.1, 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.

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. He will be missed for his great demeanor and enduring respect for the artist’s records he played during his career. 

Chris 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.

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.

Billy “The Janitor” Alverson Passes 
Billy Alverson, better known as "The Janitor" on WJRR-FM 101.1 has died. Billy was also in promotions for "Real Rook 101one" and for WQTM-AM 740 "740 The Team". He had recently taken over promotions for Clear Channel Brevard. WJRR has a tribute to Billy on their website. Here's the link; Tribute to Billy

Longtime Southwest Florida radio personality Joe Scott dies  11-25-06
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 Cape Coral . No cause of death has been determined. Scott worked for Beasley Broadcasting stations as an on-air personality off and on for 15 years. His career with Beasley included stints at stations WRXK-FM, WJBX-FM and WWCN-AM. His devoted fans loved him, but he was frequently at odds with his bosses. He also made no secret of the fact that he battled drug addiction. He was fired most recently in March, said ex-wife Emilee Scott, herself a frequent target in routines that followed the travails of his life. She said when he died he had been working on launching an Internet radio station and awaiting a visit from his Wisconsin-based sons. “He was an entertainer,” she said. “He was getting ready to launch the station and (looked forward to) visiting with the kids.” Scott had three children: daughter Jessica, 17, of Fort Myers ; and sons Joey, 11, and Jack, 8, of Wisconsin . “He had three wonderful kids and they miss him very much. He was very loving, very funny,” she said. Emilee Scott said despite his brash radio personality, her ex-husband was soft-hearted. “He was willing to help anyone. When someone needed him he was there. He is greatly missed.” Note: Joe was one of the original staff members at WMMY-FM 102.3

Carl Marcocci Passes 12-23-06
The owner of four Tampa radio stations, Carl Marcocci, 68, died from an apparent heart attack Thursday night, December 23, 2006. Marcocci was leaving a dinner meeting with his station managers to give out bonus checks, according to his partner Steve Schurdell. His car crashed through a fence and struck a building next door. The burglar alarm went off about 7:20 p.m.  His body was found the next morning in his Mercedes coupe. Marcocci's daughter, Sharon Moffatt said Saturday that the family believes her father died of a heart attack, possibly induced by the anguish of his son’s death earlier this year and her own ongoing struggle with cancer. Radio was always a big part of Marcocci’s life. He started out as a disc jockey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and worked in many different cities, even serving a stint in Korea working for military radio. He married Betty Lou Henderson, in 1962, but they had to keep their marriage secret because Betty Lou was a flight attendant for United Airlines and at that time, stewardesses (as they were called then) were not allowed to be married. At the time of his death, Mr. Marcocci owned the Palm Harbor based oldies station, WJQB-FM 106.3, WXCV-FM 95.3 in Homosassa Springs and WXOF-FM 96.3, Spring Hill as well as WINV-AM 1560,Beverly Hills. Carl is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Marcocci, daughter Sharon Moffatt, son Russell Marcocci, and sister Lucy Jane Clement as well as uncle, Louis Coccoli.

Lakeland Radio Legend 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 stations WVFM-FM 94.1  with partners, Duane McConnell and Herb Todd. After selling the stations, he worked there for an additional eight years. 

2007
Tom Blair Passes  1-10-07
Charles Thomas "Tom" Blair-Dec. 5, 1938 - Jan. 10, 2007.  Charles "Tom" Blair, age 68, of Orlando, passed away on Wednesday, January 10th, in Lake County Hospice House. His mother, Ruby Blair of Eagle Rock; VA, his son, Dorian Blair of Sorrento, FL; his daughter, Dorame Blair Deadmond of Lakeville, IN; his five siblings, and four grandchildren, survive him. Tom was born December 5, 1938 in Holdenville, OK to Charles H. and Ruby Blair. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy, where his last assignment was aboard the USS Saratoga, he moved his family to the Orlando area to continue his career in radio broadcasting. His voice has been heard for the past 25 years reporting the news on several radio stations including 
WDBO-AM 580 and WWKA-FM 92.3 "K92 FM", as the announcer for WOFL-TV 35, and reporting traffic conditions for Metro Traffic and TMI. Tom loved radio broadcasting and kept his voice in the business even after retirement. He enjoyed traveling and meeting new people; cooking, gardening, and watching his grandchildren grow. Tom is having a simple cremation and no services are planned per his request.

Eddie Hubbard Dies After Car Accident  3-31-07
Eddie Hubbard died March 26 after he and wife, were involved in an accident. Eddie was a veteran Chicago broadcaster eventually moving to Dallas and joining the ABC Radio Satellite Music Network. The "Stardust" format was carried by WHOO-AM 990 from 1993 until Disney took over in 2001.

Donald Ammon Feb. 13, 1927 - April 9, 2007
Don Ammon's obituary as it appeared in the Orlando Sentinel April 11, 2007

ORANGE CITY - Donald V. Ammon, 80, of French Avenue, a retired program manager for radio stations WOOO(-AM 1310), WJBF, WDLF(-AM 1490) and WETO(-AM 1490), died Monday at Hospice Care Center, Port Orange. Born in Donora, Pa., Mr. Ammon moved here in 1955 from Pittsburgh. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, DeLand, and a lifetime member of the Shoestring and Caravan theaters and the DeBary and the Delray Beach players. He attended Ashland (Ohio) and Stetson universities and the University of Akron, Ohio. He performed in three off-Broadway productions. He was known as the "voice of DeLand." Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Kathleen; two sons, Douglas, Washington, D.C., and Matthew, Alexandria, Va.; two daughters, Leah Dreggors, DeLand, and Amy Ammon, Orange City; a brother, Jack, DeLand; two sisters, Ruth Cochran and Virginia Myett, both of DeLand; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129; or to the Shoestring Theatre Inc., 380 S. Goodwin St., Lake Helen, FL 32744; or to Journey's End Animal Sanctuary, 1899 Mercer's Fernery Road, DeLand, FL 32720. Deltona Memorial, Orange City, is in charge.

John Gordon Passes  6-13-07
Thanks to Dennis Snyder for this information on John.  
Over the years John worked for several of the area newspapers including the then FTU (now UCF) newspaper, The Winter Park Corner Cupboard newspaper, The Orlando Sentinel, The Sanford Herald, and others. He was a regular at Malcolm's Hungry Bear in Orlando back in the 1970s. Most recently he worked for Wal-Mart in Sanford. Just a few of those who attended a remembrance luncheon were: Dennis Snyder, Mrs. Malcolm Tate and Son (of Malcolm's Hungry Bear), Greg and Mary Anna Gentleman, Marty Stebbins, Gary & Bonnie Taylor & son Charlie, Lee Olson, Todd Persons and Henry Johns. 

Dick Sollom Passes    6-29-07
Rick (Saylor) Morgan let me know about Dick Sollom's passing.  
Richard G. "Dick" Sollom passed away June 1, 2007 at age 67.  Dick was born April 3, 1940 in Grand Forks, ND. He moved to Orlando in 1974. He served in the U.S. Army, worked in radio as part of the team of Rick and Dick. Dick is survived by his sister, Shirley Foster and, her husband Porter L. Foster, Jr. of North Dakota. 

Sanoma Robertson
Daytona Beach News-Journal (FL) - July 13, 2007
DAYTONA BEACH - Sanoma Robertson's career in advertising covered the gamut from copywriter, sales representative and producer of television and radio programs. Along the way, she stayed active with the busy lives of her five children as well as civic activities. Sanoma Jean Melham Robertson, 79, an area resident since 1966, died Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at her Ormond Beach home. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, her career began as an assistant to the national sales manager of the CBS affiliate TV station. In time, her talents branched out to creating newspaper ads and working in public relations. Locally, she began working for The Daytona Beach News-Journal as a classified advertising sales representative, later joining WNDB-AM 1150  radio and Roberson Communications, where she won the top award nationally from the American Advertising Federation for creating a Sunday supplement for the Nursing Home Association. Helene Roberson, former owner of the company and longtime friend, described Robertson as "a great friend and mentor to me for her work ethic and devotion to her family." She also worked at WSBB-AM 1230 radio, New Smyrna Beach, and WCEU-TV as a producer in 1988, then director of development and public relations until 2001. "My mom was hard-working, but she always made time for activities for all her children and grandchildren and had the loudest cheers in the audience," said one of her daughters, Vicki Foley of Ormond Beach. " 'Sittoo' (Lebanese for grandmother), as her grandchildren called her, also attended all of their events," she added. Robertson was one of the founding members of Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Holly Hill. She served as president of the Daytona Beach Advertising Federation and won its Silver Medal Award in 1980. During the  1970s and 80s, she was active in numerous organizations, including the founding committee which created the fundraiser "Puttin' On The Ritz" for the Children's Home Society, the American Cancer Society, the Palmetto Place Advocates and the Daytona Playhouse, where she was a cast member of many musicals performed in the late 1960s and 1970s. An avid reader, she also enjoyed family genealogy, bridge, travel, crocheting, writing letters to family and friends, music, plants and flowers, but most of all, she enjoyed playing practical jokes on her friends. Additional survivors include a son, Thomas, Bunnell; three daughters, Denise Rossi, Ormond Beach; Carol Davis, Charleston,  S.C., and Jaimie Winkelman, Winter Garden; a brother, Thomas Melham; two sisters, Barbara Fangman and Beverly  Swanson; and 10 grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Orthodox Church, 375 Fleming Ave. Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Lohman Ormond is in charge.

Fred Klein Passes  7-29-07
Barbara Barri has informed us of the death of Fred Klein. Fred has supplied loads of information, pictures and great stories to this website. Read about his day as a "nude model" at WLOF-AM 950, as Sean King, his very funny tale of his time at WCKS-FM 101.1 as well as great photos from "CK101"  and  photos and memories of WKKO-AM 860. We will have more details as they become available.

Fred Klein's Obituary From Lancaster Online   
Frederic Ferree Klein, 71, died Saturday, July 28, 2007 at the Lancaster General Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Fred was born on February 4, 1936 in Lancaster. He was preceded in death by his parents, Professor Frederic Shriver Klein and Florence Haenle Klein of Lancaster. Klein graduated from Manheim Township High School, and attended Mercersburg Academy. He also studied at Franklin and Marshall College. He was a veteran of the US Air Force during the Korean War. In the early 60s he obtained his first job at WGAL radio on an afternoon jazz show. He made a switch to rock 'n roll at WLAN radio in 1963. He continued to work along the East Coast as a D.J./Radio announcer including stints in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, Florida. In 1987, he returned to Lancaster and was employed by Friendly Transportation. Fred's interest was always music, especially jazz, big bands, and later, rock n roll. He also was especially fond of animals, and he made many contributions to the Lancaster County Humane League. He was a life-long member of his family's Shriver Homestead, an historic Civil War museum in Union Mills, Maryland. He is survived by his sister, Joan Klein Weidman of Millersville, and three children, Joseph Shriver Klein, John Wayne Klein, and Julie Anne Klein. He has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Fred's name may be sent to Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158, or the Parkinson's Disease Association, 1250 Hyland Blvd., Suite 4B, Staten Island, NY 10305. Arrangements entrusted to Auer Memorial Home and Cremation Services, Harrisburg.

Paul Yeskel   9-23-07
Paul Yeskel has spent over 30 years in the music business with experience as a concert promoter, DJ 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.

Radio Voice Of High School Football Dead At 47  10-15-07
WIXC-AM 1060 broadcaster Keith Lippert, died of a heart attack on Friday, October 12, 2007,  just hours before he was to broadcast a high school football game. Lippert was known as "the radio voice of high school football in Brevard County." The game featured Space Coast High at Melbourne High. Lippert, was 47. He also hosted  "Friday Night Locker Room with Keith Lippert".  He was treated at the scene and then transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations toward a scholarship it is creating for aspiring sports radio broadcasters. Funeral arrangements are being handed by Wiley-Baxley Funeral Home in Rockledge.

Bob Mervine Passes  10-18-07
Orlando 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.

Walter Windsor  2-29-08
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. 

Peter G. Deitchman  Posted 3-27-08
Peter G. Deitchman, 71, of Etowah, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Park Ridge Hospital. He was born in New York City, the son of the late Stanley Deitchman and Ida Levin Deitchman, and had also resided in Florida before moving to the mountains of Western North Carolina. His true love was radio broadcasting, specifically "smooth jazz." After spending several years at the University of Central Florida's radio station WUCF-FM 89.9, he retired to the mountains of North Carolina to become part of the WSQL-AM 1240 family in Brevard, North Carolina. His love of contemporary jazz had him hosting "Jazz Lite" and more recently a Sunday "Jazz Brunch."  In recent years, his illness was overcome with the encouragement of the Cardiac Rehab Center at Park Ridge Hospital and his poker buddies at the Opportunity House, whose company was always a "Royal Flush." He is survived by his loving wife, Marie, and her children, Amy and Matt Collier; Vicki Deitchman, friend and mother of his children; daughter, Lauren Kessler and her husband, Lewis; son, Marc Deitchman; two grandchildren, Sam and Carly Kessler; his sister and friend, Sue Kahn; and nephews, Steven, Gary and Daniel Kahn.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. Chaplain Art Slagle will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to Park Ridge Hospital, Cardiac Rehab Center, P.O. Box 1569, Fletcher, N.C., 28732 or to FISH, P.O. Box 2411, Hendersonville, N.C., 28793. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

TalkStar Radio Morning Co-Host Kim Matthews Dies  3-29-08  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.
Her loving companion Ed Shiflett.

Thelma Tharp  posted 5-10-08 
Thelma Tharp a very independent, senior advocate passed away on April 25, 2008 after suffering from an infection. She was 97. Thelma retired to Winter Park in the late 1980s and became the voice of seniors on her radio show called "Senior Networking" which ran on both WHOO-AM 990 and WKIS-AM 740. Thelma did her own marketing and found her sponsors during her eleven year run on Central Florida Radio.

Tom Franklin  posted 5-11-08
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.”

Bill Vermillion Passes  5-25-08
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    5-27-08
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. William Joseph Vermillion Jr. once caused a traffic jam when he jokingly announced that Lake Eola was filled with chocolate milk. He got chewed out by the school superintendents for telling all high school girls to go to class wearing culottes. And he  wrinkled the uptight noses of the Federal Communications Commission's officials when he hired radio jinglers to sing the required Emergency Broadcasting System's test message. 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. n 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 rmckay@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5470.  Copyright © 2008, Orlando Sentinel

Thomas C. Siegfried  posted 6-18-08
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.

Tom Marshall  7-11-08
From The Orlando Sentinel
'Photo icon' Tom Marshall, 71, charmed thousands