'A wonderful guy': Jerry Thomas, longtime radio personality, dies at 83
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Former Cincinnati radio personality Jerry Thomas died Thursday following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83 years old.
The Price Hill native was a staple at WKRC-AM, hosting his popular morning show for over 40 years. He was best known for his comical bits as his on-air character "Granny" and his "punch lines you missed" segment.
His son Brian, who replaced him when he retired in 2006, announced his death on Facebook.
"Dad passed away early this morning," he wrote. "He was a wonderful father and husband. Thanks to everyone for all their thoughts and prayers during his battle with Alzheimer’s. Love you Dad. 11/11/1939 - 12/8/2022."
Radio:Kert Radel leaves Fairfield Chamber of Commerce to go back to his radio roots
Thomas began his broadcasting career in 1957 as a WLWT-TV "floor boy," according to WVXU's John Kiesewetter. He worked at Kentucky radio stations in Paris, Lexington and Louisville before moving to WKRC-AM in 1962.
At Taft Broadcasting, Thomas filled the roles of DJ, salesman, radio program director and more. He also hosted "PM Magazine," "Bowling for Dollars" and afternoon movies on WKRC-TV. Even after retiring, Thomas was still heard on-air voicing commercial endorsements.
On Twitter, former WCPO sports director John Popovich said Thomas' morning broadcasts made him feel like a "close friend." Popovich also called him "a wonderful guy."
"So sorry to learn that legendary Cincinnati radio personality Jerry Thomas passed away this morning," Dusty Rhodes, the Hamilton County auditor, tweeted. "A real talent who started on the overnights at WKRC in 1962, quickly moved to midday and then morning drive. May God rest his soul."
Farewell to the Great Jerry Thomas. I didn't know him well, but he felt like a close friend each morning on the radio. One year prior to the Battle of Ohio, he recorded some Cleveland jokes for a story I was doing. Just a wonderful guy.@Popo_WCPOSports
— John Popovich WCPO (@Popo_WCPOSports) December 9, 2022
So sorry to learn that legendary Cincinnati radio personality Jerry Thomas passed away this morning. A real talent who started on the overnights at WKRC in 1962, quickly moved to midday and then morning drive. May God rest his soul.
— Dusty Rhodes (@AuditorRhodes) December 8, 2022
Very sad to hear of the passing of legendary Cincinnati @55KRC radio personality Jerry Thomas. Funny and brilliant, he will be missed.
— Alex Triantafilou (@ChairmanAlex) December 8, 2022
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Longtime Cincinnati radio personality Jerry Thomas dies
