In Memory B

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.

Gordon Banta
Orlando Sentinel - March 4, 2008
BANTA, GORDON, June 14, 1937 - Feb. 29, 2008. Gordon was born in Patterson, NJ. He was a member of the US Navy and the teamsters. He is survived by wife Lisa, children Joseph, Teresa, Gordy and daughter-in-law Sarah; grandchildren Sophia and Marcus; former wife Gracie and Charlie; four brothers. Gordon loved horses, boxing, the New York Yankees and animals. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 9th at 5:30PM at 2130 Fawsett Road, Winter Park 32789. Friends and family are welcome. Gordon was heard on WGTO-AM 540 with Peter Banks on a program called "The Singles Connection, a talk show for singles. Gordon appeared on WJHM-FM 101.9's ''Psychic Wednesday''.

Jay Barbree Passes 5-15-21
Jay Barbree was the only journalist to have covered every non-commercial human space mission in the United States, beginning with the first American in space, Alan Shepard Freedom 7 in 1961, through to the last mission of the Space Shuttle in July 2011. He was present for all 135 Space Shuttle launches, and every manned launch for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras. In all, he witnessed 166 human space launches. In 1958, Barbree was hired by radio station WEZY-AM 1480 in Cocoa Beach, and worked as News Director/traffic reporter, covering the space program as well as hosting "Mobile Mic" . He was 87.

Red Barber dies at 84; was famed baseball announcer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Red Barber, the "Old Redhead" whose lucid descriptions of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees games earned him a spot in Baseball's Hall of Fame, died today. He was 84. Barber worked when there were few ex-athletes in the booth to explain what was happening behind the scenes. In those hours before the game on planes, trains and in hotel lobbies he absorbed baseball until he could think like a manager. Barber, who built a loyal audience the last several years with a Friday morning talk show on National Public Radio, died at 10:14 a.m. (Muncie time) today from pneumonia and kidney complications, said Tallahassee Memorial Hospital spokesman Warren Jones. Barber was admitted to the hospital Oct. 10 for emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage. He remained in critical condition until his death. He is survived by his wife Lylah and daughter Sarah. The family has requested contributions in Barber's memory be made to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorder Association. Walter Lanier Barber was born Feb. 17, 1908, in Columbus, Miss., and lived there until the age of 10 when his family moved to Sanford, Fla. When he was 21, he enrolled in the University of Florida and worked at a variety of jobs to pay for his education. He began broadcasting at the college station in 1930 and landed a job with the Cincinnati Reds in 1934. There was only radio then, and the man in the booth had to provide that picture for the fans at home. A runner wasn't just out at second, he had "the gate shut on him." When television came along, he learned to shut up and let the picture tell the story. "Radio is a pleasure to work in," Barber once said. "Television is like day labor." Like Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully who broke in under him, he didn't need a Joe or a Reggie to explain to him what had happened. Barber was the announcer for the Reds from 1934-38. In 1939. he began broadcasting for the Dodgers and was on hand for such historic events as Mickey Owen's missed third strike in the 1941 World Series, Jackie Robinson's breaking of baseball's color line and Bill Bevens near no-hitter in the 1947 World Series. After World War II, Barber was named director of sports at CBS by Edward R. Murrow and served nine years in that position. After 1953, he left the Dodgers because of a salary dispute and began announcing for the Yankees the following season. Barber was there in 1956 when the floodgates were opened: the president of a beer company that sponsored Yankee games played a round of golf with Phil Rizzuto, just released as a shortstop by the Yankees, and decided that Rizzuto belonged in the broadcast booth. Out went Jim Woods, who shared the broadcast chores with Barber and Mel Allen; in came Rizzuto, who remains to this day. Barber was always a stickler for detail. He would arrive at the ballpark precisely two hours before the game to look at stats and talk with the players. "For three hours during the game I was a talker," Barber said. "For two hours before it I was a listener." For sports fans tired of organized chatter over the airwaves, it would be a delight to hear Barber, the man most of today's sportscasters credit with setting the standard for their craft. He was a man who coined the word "rhubarb," for fracas, ruckuses and arguments; a man whose soft southern tones "told it like it was" in the days before that phrase was a cliche. Being in the "catbird seat" was a good situation, and "tearing up the pea patch" was being devastating. Barber was fired in 1966 for telling it the way it was that there were exactly 413 people in attendance at Yankee Stadium for a late-season game.

Radio Newscaster Robert Barager, 78, Thought Life Was "A Great Gift"
Robert Barager could always make you smile. In fact, it was one of his priorities. "He saw life as a great gift and it was meant to be lived as happily as possible. It was the thing he wanted most in life, to make people laugh, not just through his words, but through his actions," his daughter Nancy Hoffman of Clearwater said. Barager of Leesburg died Saturday from complications after surgery. He was 78. After serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II, he settled in Saranac Lake, N.Y., with his wife, Patricia M. O'Brien. There, as a night manager for a local radio station, he earned the nickname "Mr. Sandman." The tune was his theme song. He moved to Michigan for work and then in 1969, he moved his family to Orlando, where he worked for WDBO(-AM 580) radio as a nightly newscaster and in marketing, and on a development board at the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. His experiences let his personality shine through. At WDBO, Barager played Santa Claus and telephoned children to talk to them. "For years after, we would have him call our friends' children, and he would fool them into thinking it was Santa," Hoffman said. One of the things he was most known for was his voice. When working for the chamber, Barager became friends with former Orlando Mayor Carl Langford. The two had a contest to see who could grow the longest mustache. Before retirement, Barager started a marketing and advertising agency, AdMark Group, which won many awards, including a national Addy award. "I always said from the minute his feet hit the floor in the morning until he was in at night, he was always positive, never rattled," his second wife, Ann Barager, said. "He always entertained. He was always able to tell a joke and had one for every occasion." Barager enjoyed being outdoors, and took his family on camping trips throughout the country. His daughter, Wendy Barager of Casselberry, described one of her and her sister's favorite memories: when he would make them "Bob's gasless beans." He said he would poke all the beans to get the gas out. In addition to his wife, Ann Barager, and daughters Hoffman and Barager, he is survived by another daughter, Carole Barager of Tampa. He is also survived by his grandson Mark Hoffman of Orlando; stepdaughter, Virginia Esposito of Lecanto; step grandchildren, step nieces and nephews and step great grandchildren. His first wife, Patricia M. O'Brien, preceded him in death. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Altamonte Springs, is handing arrangements. Orlando Sentinel Apr. 19, 2004

Carroll M. Barringer
The Orlando Sentinel
April 11, 1968,
MR. CARROLL M. BARRINGER, 70, Rainbow Ridge, Eustis, owner of radio station WLCO of Eustis, died Tuesday. He was born at Newton, N. C, and moved to Eustis three years ago. He was a veteran of World War I, a graduate of Concordia College and Kansas State University, a former school board member and county commissioner of Catawba County, N. C, and a member of St. Phillip Lutheran Church of Mount Dora, Sigma Nu fraternity. Kiwanis Club of Eustis and the Masonic Lodge. He was a former mayor of Conover, N. C, past president of North Carolina Oil Jobbers, a former member of the board of directors of the Lutheran Children's Home of Salem, N. C, and former chairman of the Piedmont Area Development Association. Survivors: widow, Mrs. Artimesa H. Barringer, Eustis; son, Davis H. Barringer, Eustis; daughter. Miss Carol Barringer, Eustis; brothers. Dr. Marshall Barringer, Newton, and J. Earl Barrineer, Hickory, N. C; sister, Mrs. James K. Moretz, Conover, and two grandchildren. Zeller, Kennedy and Hamlin Funeral Home, Eustis.

Thomas Lee Barry, 79, Brought BBC Background To Area Airwaves
Orlando Sentinel June 12, 2003
For years, Orlando residents would tune their radio dials each week to hear Thomas Lee Barry review the latest movie or theater production. "He always had to have a microphone in front of him," said his wife, Christa Barry. "He was perfect on the air. He enjoyed every minute of it." Barry, a former critic and talk-show host for WDBO-AM (580) and WLOQ(-FM 103.1), died Monday of complications from heart surgery. He was 79. In 1979, he joined WDBO as a critic-at-large and talk-show host. With his smooth, rich voice, laced with a British accent, Barry offered his opinion on film, theater, music and anything else. "It was a very pleasant talk show," his wife said. The couple were married for 41 years. He also served as the quizmaster of High School Bowl on WFTV-Channel 9 in the late 1970s and later appeared on Channel 24 during the public station's auctions. In 1983, he moved to WLOQ, where he was a movie and theater critic before retiring in 1994. "Live theater was his passion," his wife said. "Shakespeare and all those things." Barry was a quiet man, "but put a microphone in front of him and he came alive," his wife said. "He was a natural ham." Born in Berlin, Barry left Germany for London in 1936 to attend school. For 25 years, he worked for the British Broadcasting Corp. He and his wife moved to Washington, D.C., in 1970, where for several years he worked for an importing company. In 1975, he moved to Orlando. In his spare time, Barry enjoyed listening to classical music, especially by Ludwig van Beethoven. Survivors also include one daughter, Michelle Barry of Orlando; one son, Ian Barry of Orlando; and one sister, Renee Fiorenza of Naples. Sunset Cremation Service, Orlando, is handling arrangements.

Alan Baxter (Irving)
Alan Baxter Irving, 70, of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at his home surrounded by family. Alan Baxter was a rock radio rebel and pioneer. A legendary morning radio show personality, his 30+ year career in morning radio spanned from coast to coast and brought joy and laugher to thousands of people each morning. He was a talented musician, voice over artist, and a devoted father to his children and grandkids. Survivors include his children, Jason Hampton, Daniel Irving, Jesse Irving, and Elan Irving; and grandchildren Cameron, Novella, Aya, Alana, Viviana, Abriana. and Ivy Moon. The family will receive friends at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 5 for the Memorial service held at 3:00 p.m. at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family's fundraiser at Irving Family Cancer Care Support Fundraiser. Alan was part of WDIZ-FM 100.3's Baxter and Mark

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.

Rick 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."

Arthur H. Beckwith, Jr.
90, passed away June 19, 2012.
Son of the late Arthur H. Beckwith, Sr. and Jennie O'Cain Beckwith. Preceded in death by his wife of 69 yrs, Zona Mathews Beckwith. Mr. Beckwith was a lifetime resident of Sanford. Survived by his two sons: John L. (Jack) Beckwith, wife Carla of Cookeville, TN and Kevin Beckwith, wife Janice of Altamonte Springs, FL; granddaughters: Jennifer Beckwith (TN), Heather Beckwith Kimble (Ormond), Tracy Beckwith (Altamonte Springs), Rachel Beckwith (Sanford) , Sierra Beckwith (Altamonte Springs) and Lauren Beckwith (TN); grandsons, John Beckwith (proceeded in death) and Travis Arthur Beckwith (Altamonte Springs); great grandchildren, Jessica Beckwith (TN), Tyler Beckwith (Ormond), Zona Kimble (Ormond) Brianna Branford (Sanford) and Michael Beasley soon to be born; brother, Robert E. Beckwith wife Colleen (VA). Mr. Beckwith was the Clerk of Circuit Court of Seminole County for 25 years, having held the elected office longer than any Clerk of Circuit Court in Seminole County. Beckwith frequently stated that public service is an honor and privilege that requires the fullest measure of personal integrity and devotion. There is no greater satisfaction than service in the government of free men and women. He pledged himself to be worthy of that great trust and confidence. While Clerk of Circuit Court: he was a member of the County Finance Officer's Association. He received the coveted Certificate of Conformance from the Government Finance Officers Association for comprehensive annual finance reporting, received the Florida Association of Court Clerks Award for outstanding service (an organization for which he served as President in 1967 & 1968). Mr. Beckwith was a member of the Traffic Court Review Committee of the Supreme Court of Florida, having been appointed to the committee by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Included in his awards received during his lifetime was the Good Government Award from the Seminole Jaycees, Legion of Honor Award from the Kiwanis Club of Sanford, the Distinguished Service Award from the United Fund of Seminole County. Mr. Beckwith was a member of The First United Methodist Church in Sanford, FL. As an active member he taught Sunday School, was Chairman of the Board of Stewards, President of the Men's Club and Finance Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of his church. He was also a member of the General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Bram Towers Board of Directors, Board of Directors of Sanford Kiwanis Club, Board of Director of the Salvation Army, Seminole All Youth Shelter and a 60 plus year member of the American Legion Post 53 of Sanford. A World War II Veteran, he enlisted and served with the 465th Signal Corps Radar Unit from 1942 to 1946. Mr. Beckwith graduated from Seminole High School in Sanford, FL in 1940 and was educated at Stetson & Temple Universities. Visitation for Arthur will be Tuesday, June 26 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service at the Oaklawn Chapel of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Park Cemetery, Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements. Arthur worked at WOOO-AM 1310 from 1957-1961.

Gerald Bell
Daytona Beach News Journal Saturday, July 29, 2000
PORT ORANGE Gerald Bell, 71, of South Nova Road, a retired radio announcer for WROD-AM 1340, Daytona Beach, died Thursday at Country Manor. Mr. Bell, a Navy veteran of World War II, was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada, and moved to the area in 1978 from Arizona. He enjoyed performing arts and fishing, for which he won various tournaments and trophies.

Dick Bennick
Horror show host "Dr. Paul Bearer' dies
St. Petersburg Times - February 19, 1995
Author: DEBORAH CIRCELLI: The Ledger
Ernest R. "Dick'' Bennick, known as Dr. Paul Bearer to horror movie fans in the Tampa Bay area, died Saturday morning after open heart surgery at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He was 66. For 22 years, Mr. Bennick, who lived in Winter Haven, was the ghoulish host of WTOG-TV Ch. 44's Saturday noon horror show. His corny puns and raspy voice still were being heard after his death Saturday on a pre-taped showing of Graveyard Shift. It was his last appearance. Though the station had taped shows through April 1 of "Dr. Paul Bearer Presents,'' they will not be run at the family's request, a WTOG news release said. "We are all saddened at the passing of Dick Bennick,'' said Ed Aiken, general manager of WTOG in a statement Saturday. "Those of us who knew Dick will miss his humor and good spirit,'' Aiken said. Mr. Bennick, who first developed the Dr. Paul Bearer act in High Point, N.C., in the 1960s, was famous for his undertaker appearance complete with a black hearse, which he rode in parades throughout the bay area. But his trademark was his puns, including his sign off: ""I'll be lurking for you.'' Mr. Bennick, who worked in broadcasting for 40 years, was a former general manager of WGTO-AM 540 radio in Winter Haven. He retired from radio in March 1994 as regional sales manager of WEZY-FM 94.1 and WLKF-AM 1430 in Lakeland. Aiken said Bearer was an institution on the station and the longest-running host of horror movies in the country. Patty Bennick, who had been married to Mr. Bennick for eight years before their divorce in 1993, said he died after having open heart surgery Friday. She said the surgery was to redo a bypass that was done 14 years ago. "He was my best friend for nine years,'' said Patty Bennick, who had moved back in with Mr. Bennick and had been working on a reconciliation. Mr. Bennick was a three-time past president of the Imperial Polk Advertising Federation, which twice named him Ad Man of the year. He was the executive director of the Imperial Polk Advertising Federation and state chairman of the Addy Awards for the Fourth District American Advertising Federation. "He made an outstanding contribution to the advertising industry and to the community,'' said Art Rowbotham, president of Hall Communications. ""He would always appear in character whenever called upon to do so. He was quite a celebrity.'' Mr. Bennick, who collected monster movie magazines, was drawn to the entertainment industry at age 5 when he saw his first magician. When he turned 18, he joined an illusion show and traveled the country as a magician's assistant. Funeral arrangements were incomplete Saturday. Mr. Bennick is survived by his mother Margaret Bennick, 93, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; daughter Melody DeSanctis, Atlanta; son Ernest ""Rick'' Bennick II, San Francisco; three stepdaughters, Pam Wetherington, Atlanta; Laura Tuggle, Gainesville and Cindy Tuggle, Winter Haven; and four grandchildren.

Marc Bernier 1956- Aug 28, 2021
On Saturday, August 28, 2021, just before sunset, Marc Frederick Bernier, age 65, departed peacefully from his earthly life—a life he lived to its fullest—and entered into the Lord’s eternal care. He was surrounded by the loving voices of his family, and was comforted by his nurses from AdventHealth Hospice Care. Though his body was tired, his spirit was full of appreciation for every opportunity he had been graced with throughout his earthly life. Marc’s body was laid to rest Saturday, September 4, 2021, immediately following a private, family graveside service. Marc was a kind, sensitive human being, who always made those around him laugh. He believed in the Lord; dearly loved his family; cared deeply about his community, state and country; worked tirelessly; and remained loyal to his countless friends. Marc was one of the few people in this world who was able to live out his dream-46 years in broadcasting. His love of broadcasting began at a very young age; and his innumerable career successes far surpassed that which he himself could have ever imagined in his youth. Marc’s guest appearances nationwide, from the top leaders on Capitol Hill to current and former White House officials, plus his witty personality landed him on Talker Magazine’s top 100 most important talk show hosts 14 years in a row. The opinion-makers of the country knew Marc would ask the questions that needed to be asked. His show originated from Washington D.C. on 80 occasions, and was the only show in the United States that had offered a local broadcast from the Bush Inaugural in 2005. Raised in Tiverton, Rhode Island, Marc hosted radio shows in New England before moving to Florida in 1990 to become the Executive Producer of Steve Crowley’s “American Scene.” From there, he conducted his own national coast-to-coast show, “The American Forum,” before finally making his way to WNDB(-AM 1150) Radio in Daytona Beach, FL, currently owned and operated by Southern Stone Communications of Florida, LLC. In addition to his extensive radio background, Marc hosted cable TV shows in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida. He also made frequent appearances on C-Span, and served as a contributor to Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, WB’s “The Buzz;” and he later served as a news analyst for Fox 35 News in Orlando, Florida for a brief period of time. A finalist for the 2003 Marconi Awards, Marc hosted several other radio shows: “BookMarc,” a weekly radio book-review promoting literacy;” “Weekend Around the House,” a weekly show which provided information and tips for the home; and “The Marc Bernier Restaurant Show,” a quarterly restaurant show featuring a popular chef and a variety of restaurant owners, who provided some useful tips and recommendations for local restaurants in the community. In addition to his broadcasting career, Marc was added to the staff at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2009, as Special Assistant to the President for Government and Community Affairs. He served as moderator and producer of “The President’s Speaker Series,” a program of interviews with public policy experts on foreign and domestic policy before a live audience. In 2019, he moved the Speaker Series to Daytona State College with a focus on local and regional issues, utilizing experts and faculty to the mix in moderated discussion. Many of Marc’s proudest moments involved those spent with his family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Theresa Peckham Bernier; his father, Maurice Gerard Bernier; and his sister, Gail Bernier. Marc is survived by his former wife and close companion of 29 years, Melodye Bernier (Ormond Beach, FL); their daughter, Kathleen Bernier (Ormond Beach, FL); and their son, Charles (“Charlie”) Bernier (Ormond Beach, FL). He is also survived by his four siblings: Carl (Anne Marie) Bernier (Swansea, MA), Karen (James) St. Laurent (Tiverton, RI), Lita (Cornell) Lighty (Portsmouth, RI), and Eric (Lisa) Bernier (Dartmouth, MA); eleven nieces and nephews: Carly White, Mandy Budzinski, Renee Bernier, Jon Bernier, Cole St. Laurent, Corey Pelletier, Jamie St. Laurent, Sara Murphy, Emily Tidwell, Seth Tidwell, and Ryan Bernier; three great nephews: Reed White, Quinn Murphy, and Kelly Murphy. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date. The family suggests commemorating Marc by committing random acts of kindness toward others; and to keep his legacy alive by becoming/staying involved in your community-continuing to make it a much better place in which to live. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity. Marc, your family will forever love you, adore you, and remember you!

Frank Berry Passed 6-3-1950-9-12-23
Frank Berry passed away on Sep 11, 2023. Frank was a retired radio and television engineer who worked in the Central Florida and Tampa/St. Petersburg markets for many years. He was the Chief Engineer for many stations including: WGTO-AM 540, WVFM-FM 94.1, WONN-AM 1230, WQPD-AM 1430, WPCV-FM 97.5, WIPC-AM 1280, WINT-AM 1560, WBAR-AM 1460 WQPD-AM 1430 WXKL-FM 97.5, and WQYK-FM/AM in Tampa. In 2019, Frank purchased the world's largest broadcast discussion website, www.RadioDiscussions.com. Jim Maloy has a full biography of Frank on his Radio Years website. Frank requested no funeral. His family will have a private celebration of life for him.

From Frank's cousin Julie Berry Traynor via Radio Discussion;
Frank Berry was born June 3, 1950, in Delaware, Ohio. He was the second of six children born to Frank and Jennie Berry. He was always a mechanical wizard. He could fix many things from the time he was a kid. He also played the piano effortlessly, a natural gift. Our piano made smooth music under his fingers Mom and Grandma loved to listen to his tunes...Frank understood radio and the workings of television and other electronic devices from the time he was a child. In fact, he became truly enamored with television after a 1955 visit to then channel 13, WWTV, in Cadillac (,Michigan). We appeared on a local kid’s show where we were each asked what we wanted to be and do. When it was Frank’s turn, and with big eyes, he pointed to the huge television camera and said, “I want to run one of those!” He was beyond thrilled when the camera man let him check it all out after the show. He had found his calling. Frank was a natural. It was uncanny. He was a brilliant radio and television engineer and worked his way up through the ranks of small radio stations in Florida, and Michigan. He was a disc jockey and engineer at a well known station at the old Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida (WGTO-AM 540). When he retired it was from the FOX television, WTVT-13 in Tampa Bay, where he had been chief engineer and the administrator of the station’s large computer network for 20 years. For all of his accomplishments, he’d best like to be remembered as that really smart Berry kid from Marion, Michigan. Frank Berry passed away on September 11, 2023 in Midland, Michigan. He is survived by his beloved and long-time partner and spouse, Raymond; his siblings, Sandy Berry, Beth Iasimone, and Jill Wells and his special niece Becky Wells LaBrie RN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded by his parents and brothers Michael and Jackson; sisters Paula and Holly. RIP my dear cousin Frank. You’re home to stay at last.

James L. "Bill" Berry
Daytona Beach Morning Journal
Feb. 4, 1979

James Lawrence "Bill" Berry, 61, co-host of the "Sunrise Jubilee" program, on WFTV, Channel 9, died Saturday. Berry joined WFTV in 1978 and had conducted more than 400 interviews with agribusiness guests from Central Florida. Berry was credited with being the areas first television weatherman and hosted the first Cerebral Palsy Telethon. The Seneca, S.C., native began his broadcasting career when he left the Army in 1945. He first worked for a Sarasota radio station and moved to Orlando two years later when he was part of the staff, which put WHOO(-AM 990) Radio on the air in 1947. In 1949 Berry joined WDBO(-AM 580) Radio ands television (channel 6) where he worked for 22 years. Berry resigned in 1971 to form his own advertising agency, Bill Berry Associates. During his long broadcasting career, Berry received more than 100 community service awards and citations a WFTV spokesman said. Berry's duties on "Sunrise" temporarily will be assumed by Barbara Stump. Survivors include Berry's widow, four daughters, and two sons. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Guy Black Funeral Home in Orlando. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in Palmetto.

A voice familiar to thousands James L. Berry of radio, TV is dead
By Charlie Jean
Mr. James L. "Bill" Berry, a familiar radio and television personality to thousands of Central Floridians for more than three decades, died Saturday. Mr. Berry, 61, of 2417 Euston Road, Winter Park, was most recently co-host of WFTV-Channel 9's early morning "Sunrise" program, which he joined in April 1978. For many years before that he served with WDBO radio and television Channel 6. Mr. Berry, a native of Seneca, S.C., spent much of his childhood in Palmetto. He began his broadcasting career following discharge from the Army as a sergeant major in 1945. WSPB radio in Sarasota gave him his first full-time job as an announcer. In October 1947 he moved to Orlando, where he assisted in placing then-new WHOO radio on the air, and in April 1949 he began 22 years of service with WDBO. He and Don McAllister co-hosted "Yours Sincerely," a highly popular daily radio program. With WDBO-TV, Mr. Berry was studio announcer on the first live television program broadcast in Central Florida. He was also the area's first television weatherman and served as host of the first cerebral palsy telethon. He hosted "Crossroads," a live daily program, and "Digest," a weekly magazine-type program, for many years. He left WDBO in 1971 to form his own advertising agency, and in April 1978 he joined WFTV, to co-host "Sunrise" with Pete Forgione. This live 6 a.m.-7 a.m. program places special emphasis on agriculture, and growers "held great respect for Mr. Berry's knowledge and talents," a station spokesman said. "Mr. Berry's contributions to the popularity of the program were enormous." Associate producer Barbara Stump will handle Mr. Berry's duties on "Sunrise" for the immediate future. Mr. Berry received more than 100 community set vice awards and citations during his long career. He is survived by his wife, Helen A.; sons, James L. Jr. and John Turner, both of Winter Park; daughters, Mrs. Alice Ann Stephenson, Silver Spring, Md., Mrs. Helen E. Pendergrass, Winter Park, Mrs. Margaret B. Parker, Orlando, and Mrs. Elizabeth B. Wurm, Apopka; brother, Albert B., Orlando; sisters, Mrs. Clyde Skene, Bradenton, and Mrs. Darrell G. Haass, Orlando, and eight grandsons. The Rev. Bill Curl of the First Baptist Church will conduct services at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel of the W. Guy Black Home for Funerals in Orlando. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Palmetto Cemetery, Palmetto..

Doreen Bligh Or Queen Doreen Jones Rutt, 93
'Queen Doreen' made a mark on local theater
Orlando Sentinel Sunday, April 8, 2012

Doreen Bligh Rutt never shied away from the spotlight, appearing on local Orlando radio and TV programs from the 1940s to the 1960s. But the woman who earned the nickname "Queen Doreen" may be best remembered for her contributions to local theater. Rutt appeared in leading roles for several Central Florida-based companies, including the Orange Blossom Playhouse, Orlando Little Theatre and Orlando Civic Theatre. She later founded and coached an acting group called, The Troupers. Theater, her daughter Debbie Komanski said, was a "passion" her mother "never lost." Rutt, of Winter Park, died April 1. She was 93. Born in Birmingham, England, in 1918, Rutt came to the U.S. with her parents in 1923, settling in East Orange, N.J. As a teenager and young adult, Rutt appeared on stage in New York City as an actress at the Paper Mill Playhouse. In 1940, Rutt married high school sweetheart Robert Jones. The couple went on to have three children. After World War II, the family settled in Winter Park, where Jones operated Western Union's Central Florida office. Rutt co-hosted "Tea for Two", a radio program that aired on WDBO(-AM 580) in the late 1940s and early 1950s. On weekday afternoons, Rutt, known then as Doreen Jones, appeared on the show with Bill Berry and discussed Orlando events and news. Later, she hosted a television program on WLOF-TV called "Parade of Homes -- From My House to Yours." Each week, she showed off homes for sale in the Orlando area. Komanski said the show aired on Sundays, but was taped on Friday afternoons. "She was not a morning person," Komanski said. After the death of her first husband, Rutt taught drama at Rollins College, which she did on and off for the next 40 years. In the late 1960s, Rutt volunteered to teach at Jones High School, becoming one of the first white teachers to work at the desegregated school. She met Edwin Rutt, of Winter Park, and the two married in 1973. She earned her graduate degree in English literature from the University of Central Florida and in the 1970s, founded the adult theater group The Troupers. The group performed scenes, skits and one-act plays across Central Florida. Rutt also appeared at the first Orlando Fringe Festival. In 1995, Rutt was featured in the Orlando Sentinel for her work in theater. As the artistic director of The Performing Artists Corporation, a non-profit troupe, Rutt helped produce a play for high school students about date rape, bad choices and unwanted pregnancy. "People don't realize what a powerful teaching tool drama is,'' Rutt said at the time. Komanski described her mother as a woman with a "very funny, very commanding" personality. Those who met Rutt, weren't likely to forget her, Komanski said. And she had a knack for telling stories. "I mean stories with all capital letters," Komanski said. Rutt continued to work with actors until she was 88. The Troupers continued to visit Rutt as her health began to deteriorate. Komanski said many were with her the night Rutt died. "She was Queen Doreen," Komanski said. Besides Komanski, Rutt is survived by her son, Brian Jones, of Jonesboro, Ga.; her daughter, Victoria O'Reilly of Orlando; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The National Cremation Society is handling the arrangements.

Ex-radio Host Bloch Dies 3-10-1988
Irwin H. ``Sonny'' Bloch, a former Tampa-based financial adviser who admitted defrauding listeners of his radio talk show heard nationwide, died early Monday of cancer. Bloch was sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to federal fraud charges in connection with the marketing of failing businesses for telemarketers, who paid Bloch $10,000 a week. Bloch, 61, was released from prison in September after he was diagnosed in the final stages of lung cancer. He was living in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., with a relative at the time of his death. In the early 1980s, Bloch pioneered infomercials for real estate and other products in Orlando. THE ORLANDO SENTINEL -March 10, 1988

Otis Boggs: Longtime ‘Voice of the Gators’ Aug. 28, 2002
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.

Michael J. Boguslawski
March 4, 1941 ~ March 13, 2019

Michael J. “Bogey” Boguslawski, 78, died Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Bristol Hospital. The son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Maro) Boguslawski, he was a Bristol, CT native and favorite son. Bogey was best known for his colorful consumer reports during the 1970s and 1980s on WTNH and WVIT, during which he always included "I'm Mike Boguslawski and I'm in your corner." While his television career would take him from Connecticut to Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Florida (at WESH-TV 2 and at WAMT-AM 1060 radio), he was always Bristol’s biggest cheerleader. Born and raised on Park Street in the West End, he spent hours at the Boys Club and attended St. Stan’s and St. Anthony’s High School where he was a stand-out athlete, named as an All State Basketball player in 1959. His dedication to serving and advocating for others began at a young age. After attending Stigmatine Fathers Seminary in Wellesley, MA, Mike worked at Wallace Barnes Spring Company & the Steel Division in Forestville, becoming a union steward for Local #712. He briefly serviced as an auxiliary state trooper at Troop L in Litchfield and in recent years was awarded the Man of the Year award by the CT State Police Auxiliary. In the early 1970s he was elected to the Bristol City Council, serving two terms. During his stints in consumer advocacy and as a member of the Democratic party, he was noticed by Governor Ella Grasso who appointed him to a position within her office. He was subsequently appointed to other state positions in Consumer Protection, Motor Vehicles and Revenue Services by former Governor John Rowland. He was a devoted and Deeply loved husband , father, brother and friend. Mike is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patricia, a son Michael, wife Laura and their infant daughter Caroline of Plainville, and Patricia's daughter Christine, his sister, Viola DiMeo of Farmington, and the many friends who visited him at The Pines, often enjoying the lunches he sponsored for them and the employees there who he considered an extended family. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph and his sister Rita who took great care of him prior to her death in 2016. A Christian Burial will be held on March 18, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony Church. Burial will follow in the Boguslawski family plot at St. Joseph Cemetery. Dunn Funeral Home 191 West St. is in charge of the arrangements. To continue Mike’s legacy of helping others, please consider making a donation in his name to the City of Bristol Dept. of Youth and Community Services Immediate Needs Fund to help families and youth in need, c/o the Mayor’s Office, 111 North Main St., Bristol, CT 06010. The Boguslawski family would like to thank the Staff at Bristol Hospital ICU Unit and the Staff at the Pines of Bristol for all the loving care and kindness they gave and the family. www.Dunnfh.com

James Everett Bohannon Jan. 7, 1944-Nov. 12, 2022
Veteran talk radio host Jim Bohannon has died at age 78, at the Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House. He was born January 7, 1944 in Corvallis, OR, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war, the family moved back to their home town to Lebanon, MO, where Jim great up and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1962. He attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, before joining the military. His service in the U.S. Army Security Agency with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade included a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1967-68. Jim's radio career began in high school working at KLWT, and in college at KICK, and KWTO. After his return stateside, Jim was stationed at Vint Hill Farms Station, VA, and worked at radio stations WGAY, WTOP, and WRC in the Washington, DC market. He joined the Mutual Network in 1983, which later became Westwood One Radio. He began anchoring America in the Morning news magazine, hosting the Saturday night "Jim Bohannon Show", and filling in on the "Larry King Show". In 1993, Larry King moved to CNN, and the radio show became the "Jim Bohannon Show", which Jim hosted until his death. His distinctive voice, wit and wisdom was aired on some 500 radio stations nationwide. Jim has been honored to be the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his talent and contributions to the radio industry. This includes his induction into the National Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Association of Broadcasters, the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, the National Radio Hall of Fame of the Museum of Broadcast Communication, and the Society of Professional Journalists, DC Chapter Hall of Fame. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Talkers Magazine, and the First Amendment Award from the Radio and Television Digital News Foundation. He was especially pleased to receive the Gold Award from the International Radio Festival of New York for his documentary, "Pain and Pride- Remembering Vietnam," and to be a 2003 inductee to the Wall of Honor in his hometown of Lebanon, MO. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Jim is survived by his wife, Annabelle Bohannon, of Westminster, SC, and daughter, Elizabeth Smith of Janesville, WI. Per Jim's wishes no formal services will be held at this time. The family is at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory are suggested to any organization of your choice that serves to support the needs of veterans. A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.

John “Bucks” Braun
July 4, 1949-January 4, 2018

Longtime Dayton-area radio personality John “Bucks” Braun passed away unexpectedly the morning of Thursday, January 4, 2018. Mr. Braun was a broadcaster in the Dayton market for nearly 30 years and entertained audiences throughout the country for over 50 years. A native of Ludlow, Kentucky, Mr. Braun earned his radio license before he was eligible for a driver’s license. He hosted radio morning shows in Ohio, Florida (at WHOO-AM 990), Mississippi, Arizona, and Kentucky before joining WONE in Dayton in 1989. Since January 2004, Mr. Braun hosted the morning show at Classic Country Radio, a network of five southwest Ohio radio stations headquartered in downtown Xenia. Legions of loyal listeners throughout the region relied on the detailed news, weather, and traffic reports, mixed with country oldies featured each weekday during the Bucks Braun Morning Show. Dozens of Miami Valley businesses enjoyed a professional relationship with Mr. Braun as their daily pitchman. He was a 2011 inductee into the Dayton Area Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame and was also a community service leader who worked diligently on behalf of Shriners Hospitals for Children, Angel Flights, and numerous Veterans organizations. Bucks loved his audience and all of the people he worked with every day. Mr. Braun is survived by his wife Joy House Braun and her children and grandchildren, son Sam Braun (Nan Whaley), daughter Sarah Braun (Jason Hesley), granddaughter Athena Braun Hesley, and sister Barbara Hinson (Danny Hinson). A public visitation will be held Sunday, January 7th, from 2-6 pm at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH 45410. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the Dayton VA Medical Center, Voluntary Services (135), 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45428.

Richard Bouchard
October 2, 1931- December 26, 2003
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.

Colin G. Brady 11-28-12
Radio talk-show host put his life into his work
By Scott Powers, Orlando Sentinel 12-3-12

Colin G. Brady would sacrifice almost anything of himself to help make a radio show fun for his listeners. For most of his life, Brady struggled with his weight. That was fair game for on-the-air jokes. He sometimes struggled in his two marriages: fair game. His voice, a little too high, a little too "not radio": fair game. His eating habits, such as the way he pulled pizza apart one bite at a time; his quirks and his obsessions, such as the day he drove up and down Interstate 4 on his motorcycle looking for a lost cell phone: all fair game. Listeners to various talk-radio shows that Brady produced and hosted in Orlando and Tampa loved him for it, said radio personality Shannon Burke, who worked with Brady in Orlando and on the Internet "Shannon Burke Show" on RadioIO.com. What many of those listeners might not have realized was that the butt of those jokes also was a serious, savvy radio producer who did extensive research to keep his conversations topical and humorous, and who worked ambitiously to secure top guests, such as then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Burke said. Brady, 43, died Wednesday (Nov. 28) of cardiovascular disease, according to his wife, Sherry Brady. "They all loved him very much," Burke said of the show's listeners. "Last week, they were calling the show crying. He was beloved, no doubt about it." Brady's love was split between radio and his children. He fathered two — Zachary and Dante — with his first wife, Stacey Brady, and acquired three stepchildren — Samantha, Steven and Nick — when he married Sherry Brady five years ago. He is survived by them all, as well as a brother, Kevin Brady of New Haven, Conn. "The most important things to him were kids and making everyone around him laugh," said friend Brant Parsons, community sports editor at the Orlando Sentinel. Born Sept. 30, 1969, in Framingham, Mass., Brady grew up a die-hard fan of Boston sports, particularly the Red Sox. He came to Orlando in 1987 to attend University of Central Florida, where he got a bachelor's degree in advertising, and then stayed to work in Central Florida radio. At various times, Brady worked at more than a half-dozen stations in Orlando and Tampa, including WORL-AM 660, WTLN-AM 950, WHIM-AM 1520, WFLF-AM 540 and Real Radio 104.1-FM (WTKS-FM 104.1), before recently moving with Burke to RadioIO.com in 2011. "He was just a fun-loving guy. He loved Boston sports. He loved kids. He loved his kids. He loved his friends like they were family," said Sherry Brady. And Brady loved radio, even with its jobs that came and went with ratings that rose and fell. He relished its trends, possibilities and personalities. "It was his life," Burke said. "I lost my radio buddy. We could always talk about radio and the people in it." Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, is in charge of arrangements.

Jim 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.

Channel 9 Founder Joe Brechner Dies
THE ORLANDO SENTINEL - Tuesday, February 27, 1990
Author: Charlie Jean Of The Sentinel Staff
Joseph L. Brechner, a philanthropist and leader of Central Florida's civic, cultural and communications communities, died Monday. 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.
Copyright 1990 Sentinel Communications Co.

Lynne Breidenbach, Prominent Voice in Radio, Conservative Politics Dies at 57
By Gary White
THE LEDGER
Published: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 10:04 p.m.

Lynne Miller Breidenbach of Lakeland, a prominent voice on Christian radio and a guiding force in conservative politics, died Tuesday at age 57. Breidenbach entered Lakeland Regional Medical Center for a planned procedure that led to the discovery of a more serious condition, family friends said Tuesday. Randy Wilkinson, a former Polk County commissioner and a close friend of Breidenbach, said she had gone to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa a day before she died Tuesday morning at Tampa General Hospital. News of Breidenbach's death drew shocked reactions from many, like Polk Sheriff Grady Judd, who hadn't known she was seriously ill. Judd said he worked closely with Breidenbach when she served as the sole public information officer for the Sheriff's Office and he was a captain and then a major. "She worked day and night, seven days a week, the whole time she worked for the Sheriff's Office," Judd said. "Her work ethic was just remarkable."Breidenbach and her husband, Bill Breidenbach, served as co-pastors at Faith Life Fellowship, a church that met in a shopping center on Edgewood Avenue in Lakeland. She had been released from the hospital and was able to attend her church Sunday, Wilkinson said. Breidenbach, an Orlando native who studied communications at the University of Central Florida, had a long career with both secular and Christian radio stations. She began working at the UCF campus station and later worked at stations in Orlando, Ocala and Titusville before becoming news director at Lakeland's WCIE, then affiliated with the now-defunct Carpenter's Home Church, according to a biography on the website Radioyears.com. She departed full-time radio in 1987 to join the Sheriff's Office. Breidenbach, who had been an adviser to conservative broadcaster Rev. Pat Robertson in his 1988 presidential bid, left the Sheriff's Office in 1992 to launch a campaign for the Florida House of Representatives as a Republican. After falling a mere five votes short against Democratic candidate Dean Saunders, Breidenbach earned praise for her calm demeanor through days of recounts. She later ran unsuccessful campaigns for the Polk County Commission. Breidenbach returned to radio, hosting the program "Talk Back" on Lakeland's WLKF from 1993 to 1996. She later hosted shows focused on politics and faith on stations in Bartow and Auburndale. She formed her own media group in 2003, and three years later her talk show began airing on 20 stations across the country. More recently, she served as a guest host on Orlando station WFLA. She also created an online radio station, Real Faith Radio, as an offshoot of Faith Life Fellowship. For the past decade, Breidenbach operated LAMB Communications, media and public relations company, according to her LinkedIn profile. The company represented nonprofit ministries and conservative political organizations. Breidenbach had served since September 2011 as an assistant to Robertson, the chairman at Christian broadcasting network, a company spokesman said. Breidenbach provided support for other conservative candidates in Polk County, including Wilkinson and U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland. "She was a giant," Wilkinson said. "She was sort of a gathering place, I guess, for the conservative element in the county. … She's closer than a sister, really. She cares about people, and she's always a lady. She's been quite an influence on my life." Allen Sale, a Lakeland insurance executive, said he met Breidenbach through her husband and they became close friends. Sale said he had visited Breidenbach twice at LRMC. Though clearly ailing, she deflected attention away from her condition, he said. "She didn't like to complain," Sale said. "She liked to complain about politicians, but she didn't like to complain about her personal circumstances. … She was truly a person of faith. I am certain that her dying words were, 'God, if you're ready to take me, I'm ready to go.'?" Breidenbach, the former executive director of the Taxpayers League of Polk County, wrote occasional letters to The Ledger expressing her conservative viewpoint. In recent years, she wrote a children's picture book, "Why Grandma's a Conservative." She acted as a spokeswoman in 2008 for evangelist Todd Bentley, who spent several months in Lakeland conducting a faith-healing revival that drew worldwide attention. "She just did a little of everything," Judd said. "She was tireless. She had one speed, and that was wide open, as fast as she could go all the time." Breidenbach and her husband have two grown sons and two grandchildren. No funeral arrangements had been announced Tuesday.

Bob 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.
The funeral is scheduled for Friday, April 19, at 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Closet, P.O. Box 44, Nashville IN47448-0044, or to Nashville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 518 Nashville, IN 47448. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Closet, P.O. Box 44, Nashville IN 47448-0044, or to Nashville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 518 Nashville, IN 47448. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.BondMitchellFuneralHome.com.
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.

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. John worked at WQXQ-FM 101.9 and WNFI-FM 99.9.Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.

Robert L. Brown Jr.
Published April 11, 2007
Orlando Sentinel
Robert L. Brown, Jr. was born May 8, 1921 in Alliance, Ohio; he moved to Baileyton, TN and later to St. Petersburg, FL. Mr. Brown had a long, diversified life. In 1939, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was discharged in 1942. During his duty as a Marine, he was in three battles between the Japanese Navy and the U.S. Navy, the biggest battle being the battle of Midway. He was on the U.S.S. Astoria off the island of Guadal Canal when the ship was blown up by the Japanese, during which time he was injured. He floated around on wreckage before being rescued by the U.S. Navy. Before being rescued, his family was told he was missing in action. Mr. Brown spent 18 months in a Naval Hospital in San Francisco, recovering from wounds. He was awarded the Pacific Campaign Medal, with two battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and Rifle Sharpshooter Medal. After his honorable discharge as a result of his wounds, he joined the Merchant Marines in 1944 as a ship radio officer. During his duty in the Merchant Marines, he was awarded the Pacific Campaign Medal, Marine Atlantic War Zone Medal, Victory Medal, and Pacific War Zone Medal, and was honorably discharged from Merchant Marines service in 1946. From 1949 to 1952, he had the "Davy Crocket Show" on WSUN-TV in St. Petersburg. Mr. Brown was also a news anchor and weatherman. From 1952 to 1957, he had the "Skipper Bob" show at WDBO-TV in Orlando. Mr. Brown was an announcer for WDBO(-AM 580) Radio and a member of the Blue Angels Flight Team from 1964 to 1967. He worked at Orlando A.F.B. acting in top secret military films. Mr. Brown rejoined the Merchant Marines in 1968. In 1970, he started the first traffic watch report for WDBO Radio, and from 1976 to 1980 was a pilot for Florida Gas. From 1980 to 1985, he was a court deputy for the Orange Co. Sheriff's Department. Mr. Brown was a member of American Legion, D.A.V., and Fraternal Order of Police Orange County Lodge # 93. Before joining the Sheriff's Office in 1980 as a Deputy Sheriff, he was assigned to the Court Division as a retired pilot and flight instructor. Mr. Brown is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; sons, Ketron B. Brown (Judi), and Mark C. Brown; daughters, Rene Serafian (Pete), Lynn Roberts (Ray), Laurie Channell, Tamara McLanahan (Steven), and Sherry Earle (James); 24 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 12th at 7PM at Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, 1148 East Plant Street, Winter Garden, with Rev. Dr. Walt Fowler officiating. Services by COLLISON CAREY HAND FUNERAL HOME - WINTER GARDEN. 407-877-6700

Emerson W. Browne
Tallahassee Democrat
June 2, 2002
Emerson W. Browne, 79, a retired owner of radio stations and restaurants, died Friday, May 31, 2002, in Thomasville, Ga. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Aired Browne of Bain-bridge. The service will be at 2 p.m. today at Sylvania United Methodist Church in Decatur County, Ga., with burial at Cairo Cemetery in Cairo, Ga. Clark Funeral Home in Cairo (229-377-1414) is handling arrangements. Other survivors include a son, Alex Browne of Bain-bridge; a daughter, Frances Quigg of Sopchoppy; and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Browne and Marie Browne, both of Atlanta. Stations that Mr. Browne was involved in include WYSE-AM 1560, WKKO-AM 860/WCKS-AM 860, WRWB-AM 1220, WSFR-AM 1360/WIOD-AM 1360 and WTRR-AM 1400.

Henry (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.

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.

Charles 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(-AM 1480) 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.

Hattie Bush
Hattie Elizabeth Bush,76, of Orlando, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 23, 2010. She was a radio announcer for WUNA(-AM 1480) Radio Station, a faithful member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, and the lead singer of the Spiritualette Gospel Singers, singing all over Central Florida for the past 35 years. She is survived by her son, Joseph, Jr. (Rebecca); daughters, Ethel, Cynthia, Lovene, and Michelle; sisters, Barbara (Frank), Johnnie (Damon), Myrtis (Everett), Imogene; eight grandchildren. Viewing will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 from 5-8PM at the church. A service of celebration will be held on Friday, December 31, 2010 at 11AM at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Orlando, with Pastor Jesse Ivory officiating. Earthly Bed of Slumber: Washington Park Cemetery. Postell's Mortuary, Pine Hills Chapel is providing service for the Bush family.

Eugene '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.