Tribute Service For Luther Masingill Held At Historic Engel Stadium

It took a place as big as historic Engel Stadium for Chattanooga to say goodbye to their beloved Luther. Hundreds came Thursday afternoon to pay tribute to Luther Masingill who died early Monday morning after a radio career that spanned an amazing 74 years.

It was clear from all who spoke that he was considered not only a radio personality, but also a role model. One after another, his co-workers told stories of how he had influenced their lives personally as well as professionally.

“He used the power of broadcasting to help others,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Beck. Todd McElyea, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church said that “the voice of our city” encouraged everyone to help each other. He did many things behind the scenes helping families and nobody ever knew it, said Chip Chapman. “Luther taught me a lot about how to be a better husband and father,” said James Howard who had worked with him for 21 years.

When Luther joined the army during WWII his job was communications clerk where he used a Royal typewriter. And for the rest of his life, that is what he worked with. After the war, he returned to Chattanooga and never left despite many other job offers. He told people, "No thanks, I love Chattanooga. My family and heart’s there."

He graduated from Central High School in 1941 and during his high school career fell in love with a microphone, said David Carroll. At school he made announcements and emceed talent shows. Around that time he was also working in a gas station and Joe Engel noticed his voice when calling customers over the loud speakers, and encouraged him to audition for his new radio station which was to be the third one in the Chattanooga area. Luther got that job despite mispronouncing salon as “saloon” and Job as “job.” He soon was given the morning slot.

Luther became Chattanooga’s “pride and joy,” said Greg Beck and became the longest-running live broadcaster at WDEF, working there from 1940 to 2014. For over 70 years, people depended on him for the morning news. Luther once said this of his profession, “If you get a job you love, you’ll never go to work a day in your life.”

Returning to Chattanooga after the war, he went back to his job at the radio station where he became known for his sense of humor. In 1951 said David Carroll, Luther ran for mayor of Chattanooga and promised people everything they wanted including free haircuts for bald men. He did it for fun, but before the election, had to run a full page add to say it was a joke since people believed he was a candidate. He would have been a great politician, said David Carroll, because everybody loved him.

It was well know that Luther liked to kid people. James Howard said he had visited U.S. troops in the Middle East nine times and that Luther was at the airport each time to wish him well. As he would be boarding the plane Luther said the same thing every time, “The money you owe me, can you just please pay me now?” "And, the way he always said goodbye to me," said David Carroll, "was, 'Hey, if you ever lose your 'dawg,' give me a call.”

That was appropriate because he helped reunite unknown numbers of lost dogs with their families during his time on air. He also promoted bake sales and found help for people who lost their home to fires. "We all wanted to be like Luther," said Mr. Carroll. “I used to listen to him to learn his secrets.”  He realized that Luther carried on a conversation with people. By doing that he could “sneak in advertisements” by just talking about milk or tires. “I learned from the best,” he said.

The gathering at Engel Stadium was a celebration of Luther’s life. “He has moved on, but we know where he is,” said Mr. Carroll and then suggested setting aside March 9 each year in Chattanooga for “Luther Day.” It would be a day to treat people with kindness as he would do and make somebody smile.

“Heaven’s morning program has a new radio man,” he continued. “Thank you for being such a good role model and for dying with no regrets. We will always love our Luther."

As the organ played “I’ll Fly Away,” 10 white doves were released. Chip Chapman ended by saying, "Whenever a man dies, a library is lost. Indeed, we’ve all lost volumes.”