Larry L. Williams, retired radio personality will celebrate his 91st birthday June 14.  Photo courtesy Larretta Williams

by Larretta Rivera-Williams

It has warmed my heart numerous times for someone to tell me that my father had a profound influence on them. I don’t always know what he did to receive such respect, but it was positive and effective. Perhaps he helped them monetarily, maybe it was his gentle manner, or the way he carried himself, meticulously fashioned with dignity and integrity. It warms my heart to know that my daddy, charitable in hospitality and kindness, is still fondly remembered.

Several years ago a lady asked me how long my dad had been dead. I was startled by the question, but later enjoyed conversing with her – once I told her he was still going strong. The lady had many questions and reminisced about listening to Triple-A and Daddy O on the Patio, memories that he, too, holds dear. Dad will celebrate his 91st birthday June 14. God has generously blessed him with good enough health to dwell alone, drive a four-speed Toyota, and play 18 holes as often as possible.

Larry Lee Williams was born in Abbeville, South Carolina. When he was a child his family moved to the mountains of WNC, and his love for the mountains took him back to Asheville after he retired from the broadcasting industry.

Dad was a pioneer in radio. He signed WAAA AM Radio Station on the air on October 28, 1950. When Earl “The Pearl” Monroe was a star basketball player at Winston-Salem State, my dad was known for his play-by-play accounts of the college’s basketball and football games. He became known as the Voice of the Rams. After years of announcing and programming, he became the General Manager of WAAA, the only station at the time with a full R & B/Gospel format.

Cancer of the larynx in 1973 necessitated removal of Dad’s vocal chords. This was a heavy cross for him to carry since his career was dependent upon his voice. Faith in God, a spirit of determination, and the will to continue living pulled Dad from the deepest valley of his life and graced him with the momentum to soar to higher levels. His will and determination were commendable: his potency and fortitude appeared much like the strength and power of the Blue Ridge Mountains he loves.

It took Dad about a year to recuperate from major surgery. He was determined to talk without the aid of a voice box so he worked diligently to learn to speak a new way. This is the technique of pulling air into the lungs and literally burping words out through the stoma – the hole in the throat that allows for breathing when one can no longer do so through the nostrils.

When Dad was able to return to work he became General Manager of an FM radio station in Mobile, Alabama. He lived there for more than a decade before becoming GM of another FM station, this one in Charleston, South Carolina. Dad’s profession in radio opened many doors of opportunity and the loyalty of lifelong friends.

One reason Larry L. Williams has been able to sustain an inspiring and vigorous life is because he never gives up. Soon after returning to Asheville he was hired by a radio station to oversee its changing format and sale. The initial six-month position became an exciting activity for almost two years.

On September 16, 2006 the mayor of Asheville declared it “Larry Williams Day.” We had a grand celebration with family and friends that ended with a delightful encounter that could not have been better planned. As we were leaving the restaurant Dad was greeted by the doctor who had performed his surgery 33 years ago.

I thanked the doctor for saving my dad and for giving him back to me. The doctor, now retired, was definitely shocked to see my dad. They embraced and the doctor later told me that the eight-hour surgery was the first time he had done such a procedure. He said he was scared to death, but my dad had taken his hand and told him not to worry; everything was going to be okay. For some reason I was humbled by the comment, but not surprised. My dad, the patient about to undergo major surgery, was composed and encouraging the doctor to be likewise.

I hope that Father’s Day 2009 is a happy day for my dad and all the daddies in the world. I encourage every son and daughter to rise to the occasion and let the man who has been father or the man who has taken on the role of father know how much they are appreciated and loved. The fathers who have gone before us in faith will forever experience the totality of God’s unending love.
Larretta Rivera-Williams, is the Associate University Chaplain, School of Divinity at Wake Forest University.