The voice of world-renowned radio broadcaster Luther Masingill was permanently silenced in this life on Monday, October 20, 2014. He was affectionately known by all as simply “Luther”.
William Luther Masingill was born on March 9, 1922, in Chattanooga, to William Tom and Mary Masingill. He was one of eight children. At 92 years old, Luther took his last breath peacefully on Monday morning at 6 a.m., the exact time he signed on the airwaves every morning for more than seven decades at the WDEF Radio studios in Chattanooga.
Luther was a student at Avondale Grammar School, Hardy Junior High School, and a graduate of Central High School. While a student in high school, Luther would work the night shift at the WDEF radio studios located in the Volunteer Building in Chattanooga. He first signed on the air on New Year’s Eve in 1940. He is the only radio personality in history to have reported both the Pearl Harbor and 9/11 attacks on the United States and is the longest running broadcaster in the history of the world. Luther was also a veteran television broadcaster, having signed on with WDEF-TV the first day they went on the air in 1954 and working with them ever since, heading to the television studio after his radio shift each day.
When interviewed as a 19-year-old young man, Luther said his ambition was to “reach radio heights and have Sundays off.” More than seventy years later, Luther Masingill was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. Among countless other awards throughout his unprecedented career, Luther was a recipient of the prestigious Marconi award from the National Association of Broadcasters, as well as a member of the inaugural class of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. He truly was and will always be the “Voice of Chattanooga.”
Luther also served his country as a member of the United States Army. “I fought and fought, but still had to go,” he often joked when asked about his time in the military. Luther served in Papua New Guinea in the Signal Corps during WWII. It was here he first used the iconic Royal typewriter that he was known for in his show preparation throughout his entire radio career.
Luther is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 57 years, Mary Frances (Varnell) Masingill. Luther and Mary were married on April 27, 1957, at Avondale Baptist Church in Chattanooga. The family includes son, Jeffrey Masingill, daughter, Joan Brown and her husband, Michael Brown, grandchildren, Ian and Evan Brown, brother, Charles Masingill and wife, Carolyn of Monteagle, and sister, Eloise Hutcheson of Camden, Al.
He was predeceased by siblings, Christine Sterchi, Florence Lowery, David Masingill, Tom Masingill James Thomas Masingill.
He was a longstanding member and deacon at Cornerstone Baptist Church (formerly Avondale Baptist Church). He was also a member of the Chattanooga Half Century Club.
Luther was a kind and loving person with a gentle spirit. His life was devoted to family, work, church, and to helping others. Luther once said in an interview about his wife, “Mary, she’s a good gal. She’s stuck with me all these years through this crazy radio and television business…I love her very much.” Regarding his children, “Two of the greatest moments of my life were the births of both of my children, Jeffrey and Joan.”
Finally, Luther’s philosophy on life was this: “Love…there’s the love for Jesus Christ, the love for your family, the love for your children, the love that you display to other people. Yes, love, in one word, to describe life. If you’ve got it, if you receive it, you’ve got it made.” Luther was indeed loved. He was loved by his family, his friends, and by the entire city of Chattanooga.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Historic Engel Stadium, 1130 E 3rd St. Chattanooga, Tn. 37403, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Todd McElyea officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be the staff at WDEF Radio and TV.
The family will receive friends at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home from 1-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and from 12-2 p.m. on Thursday at Engel Stadium prior to the service.
A private burial will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Chip Chapman, James Howard, Earl Freudenburg, Jerry Pond, Jim Crittenden, Evan Brown and Ian Brown.
Memorial contributions may be made in Luther’s memory to your local animal shelter or other favorite charity.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 South Moore Road.
Please share your condolences atwww.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.