I've read countless stories and I've heard countless memories from those who knew Luther well. He was the staple in Chattanooga for years.
As one of my former co-workers said best.. He was the only constant in a world of changing faces and voices.
I was first introduced to Luther when I moved to Georgia back in 2010. I remember watching WDEF News 12 and listening to Sunny 92.3, thinking "who is this guy?"
It wasn't but a short time later that I received an answer to my question.
His name was Luther. He was a legend.
I started working at WDEF in 2011 and was first introduced to the man himself. How could you not love him?
He showed up to work every day, as long as it wasn't a holiday. He wore a suit and that hat. Oh, I loved that hat. His voice was music to your ears. That famous radio voice that rang so clear to those in Chattanooga for decades.
Where else could you go and someone would help you find your lost pet? The answer is nowhere. Luther was there for all of Chattanooga.
When Basil went missing last year, I was sad and confused and, frankly, lost myself. I didn't know where to turn. But, then again, maybe I did. Jackson County is not far from Chattanooga and I knew a lot of people there would listen to Sunny 92.3 and maybe even WDEF. So, I called Luther.
I heard him for nearly 1.5 years announce hundreds of lost pets. But, I never really understood how much effort he put into it. He called me every day until we found Basil. EVERY DAY. Not because it was his job, not because he felt obligated, he did it because he cared. He wanted your animal to be back at home with you. That's why. No one will ever care as much as Luther did.
Luther left us to go to a better place a week ago. We all lost a friend.
What will happen to Luther's page on the WDEF website? What will happen to that old typewriter in the Sunny 92.3 studios? We may not have the answers to those questions right now, but one thing is for sure, there are things we do have answers to.
What will we not forget? I'll never forget his smile, the way he made me laugh and his ability to love everyone.
After listening to all the stories, I learned so much that I wish I could have been a part of. But, I didn't grow up around Chattanooga. I didn't get to hear Luther cancel school. I didn't get to hear him for years upon years.
My favorite story though, is when Luther announced on the radio that people needed to let the air out of their tires and a bunch of people on the road would get out and let the air out. That made me laugh.
Frankly, I could sit here and listen to every story. He was a one and only. He can't be replaced.
But, I'm glad I got to meet Luther. I glad I got to work with him.
Until we meet again..
