Larry L. Williams: Radio Pioneer, Loving Father

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.