WV Public Broadcasting loses one of its own

[unchoopfan]

Long-time WV Public Radio host passes away
By Ben Adducchio, WV Public Broadcasting

May 6, 2013 · One of West Virginia Public Radio's on-air hosts passed away over the weekend.

George Walker was found dead in his home. Walker was 60 years old.

Walker was the regular host for All Things Considered, the weekday evening news program on West Virginia Public Radio.

He also produced the long-running show "Music from the Mountains" with Joe Dobbs until Dobbs retired.

“George was the consummate professional,” said West Virginia Public Broadcasting executive director Scott Finn. “His work was always top-notch and we relied on him for his expertise. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this time.”

Walker worked for West Virginia Public Broadcasting for close to 12 years beginning as a part-time announcer in 2002.

Prior to working for West Virginia Public Broadcasting he worked for Bristol Broadcasting and V-100 Radio in Charleston.

He also did contract narrative and voice-over work for clients in Charleston, Nashville and Chicago as Walker Productions.

Details of his death are awaiting autopsy results.

This story will be updated throughout the day with audio.

[Hoss]

George Walker was a consummate professional and it is sad that “Music from the Mountains” is not a continuing series. Come on Public Radio even reruns of the original, after all it is music from the mountains!
I worked with George for 34 years using his voice talent and insight to produce commercial TV spots. George knew the difference between a voice over and a voice performance and he understood when and how to use each. He recognized the difference between shooting a TV spot and producing TV commercials that were visually pleasing even entertaining while accomplishing the clients’ goal. Many times George advised or encouraged me and helped develop my ideas.
Aside from his sizable artistic talent George was a kind and generous man that was easy to like. He’s made friends and colleagues in every job. His knowledge of the broadcasting business covered a variety of knowledge and covered every skill set within station operations.
Additionally his key to success was understanding that community involvement is the stations obligation to the audience and will ultimately embrace the raising of funds, whether underwriting or profit. This simple concept that a balance exists and will be a positive power made George a formidable force in business.
I personally have lost a friend and a counselor. A man that could entertain with his wit, teach with his knowledge and produce some of the best voice work I have ever had the privilege of crafting into TV content. Broadcasting has lost an asset. George was taken before we were able to hear all he had to give. I will miss him.

[djsandman]

George Walker was a consummate professional and it is sad that “Music from the Mountains” is not a continuing series. Come on Public Radio even reruns of the original, after all it is music from the mountains!
I worked with George for 34 years using his voice talent and insight to produce commercial TV spots. George knew the difference between a voice over and a voice performance and he understood when and how to use each. He recognized the difference between shooting a TV spot and producing TV commercials that were visually pleasing even entertaining while accomplishing the clients’ goal. Many times George advised or encouraged me and helped develop my ideas.
Aside from his sizable artistic talent George was a kind and generous man that was easy to like. He’s made friends and colleagues in every job. His knowledge of the broadcasting business covered a variety of knowledge and covered every skill set within station operations.
Additionally his key to success was understanding that community involvement is the stations obligation to the audience and will ultimately embrace the raising of funds, whether underwriting or profit. This simple concept that a balance exists and will be a positive power made George a formidable force in business.
I personally have lost a friend and a counselor. A man that could entertain with his wit, teach with his knowledge and produce some of the best voice work I have ever had the privilege of crafting into TV content. Broadcasting has lost an asset. George was taken before we were able to hear all he had to give. I will miss him.

Hey Hoss - I'm Jeff at WVPB. I think George had all of the originals to "Music" and if I can get my hands on them, I'll do my best to see if we can rerun them! I knew George for 5-6 years and it's still a shock to the system over here and will be for some time. Maybe "Numb" is a better term for what I'm feeling.

George Walker was like John Lennon to all of us and it's ironic that the Beatles were his favorite group. Though I got choked up, I paid him a tribute by playing the other George...George Harrison's "All Those Years Ago" during news.

[the jive talkin one]

George's voice was matched only in our area by the likes of Super Duper Charlie Cooper and Kris Robins (Rob Scheibly). You always expect to hear George on any and all promos on WV-PBS...as well as many many many local spots.

I first recall him as production director (and frequent bit actor on the morning show) at WQBE. Does anyone know where he was from originally?

[djsandman]

George's voice was matched only in our area by the likes of Super Duper Charlie Cooper and Kris Robins (Rob Scheibly). You always expect to hear George on any and all promos on WV-PBS...as well as many many many local spots.

I first recall him as production director (and frequent bit actor on the morning show) at WQBE. Does anyone know where he was from originally?

George Romulus Walker Jr.
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George Romulus Walker Jr. of Rutherfordton, N.C., died May 5, 2013, at home.

He was the regular host for All Things Considered, the weekday evening news program on West Virginia Public Radio. He also produced the long-running show Music from the Mountains. Prior to working for WVPR, Walker worked for Bristol Broadcasting and V-100 Radio in Charleston. He also did contract narrative and voice-over work for clients in Charleston, Nashville and Chicago as Walker Productions. He was noted for his deep, calm and reassuring voice. He was recipient of numerous awards and accolades over his nearly 40 years in broadcasting, which included a stint in television broadcasting as reporter, producer and news director in the Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C., viewing area.

A graduate of University of Virginia, he proudly served stateside during the Vietnam conflict as chief petty officer.

George's love of broadcasting hit him hard as a teenager and he studied to earn his first class broadcaster's license and began his radio career at WBBO in Forrest City, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Romulus Walker Sr. and Mattie Long Walker; brother, Robert Alton Lail; and special aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his nephew, Don Lail; his great-nephews, Michael, Robert and Jason; and numerous cousins. He will be fondly remembered by Michelle, his former wife, as well as loving friends and colleagues.

A memorial service will be held in Charleston at a later date. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is handling further details. You may send your condolences to the family at http://www.barlowbonsall.com. Interment of George's ashes will follow in Rutherfordton, N.C.