UPDATE: Former Ring Radio/WSB Radio host Ludlow Porch has died
Courtesy of the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame
Folksy talk-show host Ludlow Porch died early Friday, according to his website funseekers.net.
God is laughing today. Ludlow Porch passed from this mortal plane at 6:06 AM.
Memorial service will be held at Big Canoe Chapel next Saturday February 19, 2011 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the Broyles Community Center.
Porch, whose real name was Bobby C. Hanson, was living in Dawsonville. According to his official obituary, sent by Bearden Funeral Home, “in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 121 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria, VA 22314, or to the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame, P. O. Box 5313, St. Mary’s, Georgia 31558.”
Porch had suffered strokes recently, according to Denny Ainsworth, his long-time producer and sidekick who took over his radio network last year.
Porch, 76, spent many years on 680/WRNG-AM Ring Radio, where Neal Boortz also got his start. He also worked for WSB-AM in the 1980ss and early 1990s. He also owned several restaurants fora time, including multiple Blue Ribbon Grills. He was also known as a trivia expert. His stepbrother, the late AJC columnist Lewis Grizzard, would often reference him in columns.
His famous exit line when ending a show: “”Whatever else you do today, you find somebody to be nice to”
A fuller obituary is available here.
He is survived by his wife Nancy and children, Barbara Davison, Philip Hanson, Charles McGarvey, and Kyle Harvey. He also had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
You can read more about him on the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame website. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2007.
You can listen to Denny’s tribute to him live here from 9:07 a.m. to noon and it will be repeated after that.
Here’s a recent YouTube video of Porch spinning one of his stories:
Denny sent this email to friends on Tuesday night:
I regret to tell you that Ludlow’s health has worsened after suffering a second stroke Tuesday night (2/8/11).
The prognosis is not good. Say a prayer for Ludlow, Nancy, and his family.
I’ll update you whenever I get news about any changes.
Cards or letters can be sent to PO Box 643, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Reply to this email is not necessary. I know your support is with Lud.
Denny
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152 comments Add your comment
shaggy
February 11th, 2011
11:57 am
Lewis, Catfish, and Ludlow…God is having some great laughs today.
itsme
February 11th, 2011
11:58 am
Ludlow was a great talent and such a fine, old-fashioned Southern gentleman. It’s a shame they don’t make them like him any more. His radio show and books reflected a simpler, more pleasant time. Find somebody to be nice to… today and every day.
The Cookie Man
February 11th, 2011
12:12 pm
He made me laugh so hard that I wrecked 2 different company trucks while listening to his show.
Denny Ainsworth
February 11th, 2011
12:13 pm
Thanks Rodney for helping spread the word about a true radio pioneer that will never be replaced. One small item that has been misstated is Ludlow’s birth year. He was born in 1935. As Lud would say, that makes him 59 years old. But then again, he also told folks his real birth name was “Olivia DeHavilland”.
Pat Moody
February 11th, 2011
12:19 pm
Yes I agree heaven today is a funnier place with Ludlow and Lewis! Always enjoyed the story about how a Nargahide couch was made with all those “nargies” , he could really make you laugh! My thoughts are with his family!
Susan
February 11th, 2011
12:21 pm
A great Southern voice has been silenced! We will miss you Ludlow! But now, you will keep all those in Heaven laughing
Rest in Peace
AJ Fortune
February 11th, 2011
12:22 pm
This morning the world became a meaner place but heaven got even better. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all our Whacko friends. Now it is up to all of us to keep the Funseekers Network up and running as a legacy to this great friend of mankind!
Whatever else you do today, find somebody to be nice to.
Prayers going up
February 11th, 2011
12:28 pm
Prayers to his family. He was an interesting broadcaster, an Atlanta fixture.
LL
February 11th, 2011
12:28 pm
RIP Mr. Porch
Yellow Britches
February 11th, 2011
12:33 pm
Luddy was like a member of the family, a comfortable and comforting voice who genuinely liked people, especially those of the Southern type. He will be missed but I guess the wackos who have gone on before will be happy to see him. What a true original! No one like him.
Reese
February 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
Damn I still miss Lewis Grizzard, now with Ludlow passing, gotta add him to that list. Sad day indeed.
Craig Lee
February 11th, 2011
12:46 pm
Definitely a great man. A great memory maker and friend. See ya soon Luddy!
Deb
February 11th, 2011
12:51 pm
I am saddened today for the passing of Ludlow. Some of my fondest memories and laughs occurred while listening to his shows. He and Lewis were like fried potatoes and pinto beans. As good as it gets. Go get em Luddy. Spread your sunshine and enjoy.
GA Mom
February 11th, 2011
12:58 pm
I have his cookbook “Fat White Guys Cookbook”. It has great recipes and plenty of “comments” from Mr. Porch.
RIP Luddie.
Rickster
February 11th, 2011
12:59 pm
I hope Luckovich does a (respectful) tribute.
Grizzard/Porch Fan
February 11th, 2011
1:15 pm
You know God has his hands full with both of those ol’ boys up there in Heaven, but you know there won’t be a dry eye in the place when they get to rolling, God Bless their families and know we feel these losses deeply
Get Real
February 11th, 2011
1:21 pm
Always heard God picks the best flowers for his garden. Lewis and Ludlow are among some of the best! RIP!
Greg
February 11th, 2011
1:24 pm
Another true class act that will not be replaced. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore! Rest in peace, Ludlow!
doris wilkinson
February 11th, 2011
1:30 pm
Mr Ludlow was just breathe of fresh air.I have great memories listening to him with my sweet daddy on WHIE 1320.Mr Ludlow had alot of Mayberry in him.God Bless dear heart.
Kathy/Cleaning lady from Cleveland
February 11th, 2011
1:34 pm
Ludlow was, quite literally the Father I wish that I’d had.
His gentle manner and politeness in the face of everything won me over and kept
me a faithful listener and caller for the past 16 years.
He was a true friend for many years, and I will miss him so much; but am very, very thankful that he left a legacy of friendship for all us “Wackos” and we know that someone understood that we were just half a bubble out of plumb and loved us all.
One of my favorite moments: the Turkey Neck Story
Rest well, my friend
Johnny Nam
February 11th, 2011
1:38 pm
Love ya Bud…………………..
George Howard
February 11th, 2011
1:46 pm
Godspeed, Ludlow. Another good man gone to glory.
Phil Hanson
February 11th, 2011
1:52 pm
Thank you Rodney, and I want to thank everyone that made a comment. Ludlow was my Dad, he would have loved reading this as much as I have. Thanks again.
BehindEnemyLines
February 11th, 2011
1:52 pm
Another sad day for Atlanta radio followers. Thanks Ludlow, for a life well spent, we were better off because you were here.
Roberta Higginbotham
February 11th, 2011
1:53 pm
What a loss. Some of his regular call-in guests really cracked me up. Ray D. Ator was hilarious, especially when he talked about his wife Edner (not Edna, as Ludlow would remind us). I’d really look forward to Ludlow’s Friday shows because I knew that was the day Ray called in.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
February 11th, 2011
2:13 pm
RIP Ludlow Porch
Whenever I hear your theme music now and again it makes me think of my grandaddy because you were always on the radio in their kitchen. I miss him a lot.
Cecilia Callaghan Robertson
February 11th, 2011
2:18 pm
I enjoyed hearing him on WRNG radio and meeting him and Phil as extras in The Prize Fighter with Tim Conway and Don Knotts. His cook books were just like him, full of fun and comments- the man liked to eat. He will be missed.
apcblog.org » Blog Archive » R.I.P., Ludlow Porch
February 11th, 2011
2:35 pm
[...] 76, after having suffered a stroke. According to Atlanta Press Club board member Rodney Ho’s media blog on AJC.com, Porch — whose real name was Bobby C. Hanson, spent years on 680 WRNG-AM Ring Radio [...]
Cecil34
February 11th, 2011
2:35 pm
Ludlow, one of the last links to “old Atlanta” made my parents and grandparents laugh so much over the years – me too.
I will miss him as I have Lewis…..
Tucker
February 11th, 2011
2:48 pm
I remember the time Sheriff Crabapple’s deputy adopted a newborn Vietnamese baby, and Ludlow and the Sheriff discussed at length whether the new parents would have to learn Vietnamese to talk with it…and the time Ludlow and Kitty Litter broadcast the Tucker Flip Flop Parade with Prince Charles as the Grand Marshall…and the time…
Bless you, Ludlow. You were a unique member of the Atlanta airwaves family.
Donna
February 11th, 2011
2:55 pm
You were my cousin, but more like a daddy to me. I know you are with Nanny, Aunt Kat, Chuck and Lewis. Heaven is even more special by your presence there. See you again someday Cuz !
Luddy is my Hero!
February 11th, 2011
3:05 pm
I loved it when Ludlow’s show topic was the Andy Griffith Show. “Judy, Judy, Judy, Judy.”
I always remember when he paid tribute to the hot dog. I recall Ludlow saying the bun really makes the hot dog. I agree!
And Ludlow’s conversations with Radio Ray were hysterical. Ludlow would get Ray going and I’d crack up just hearing the little weasel giggle.
And how about Choo Choo Man.
Ludlow: “Let’s go to Dallas, Georgia and the Choo Choo Man.”
Choo Choo: “Hellllllllooooooooo Ludlow.”
I also enjoyed hearing Luddy’s conversations with the Cleaning Woman.
Frameman
February 11th, 2011
3:05 pm
A true southern gentleman. Used to call him up a couple of times a year just to check in. Took my 8 year old son to a live broadcast and introduced them. Several years later we wandered by another live broadcast and Ludlow stopped his show in the middle of a sentence and shouted out “Jonathan, I haven’t seen you in a month of Sundays, come up here and tell me what’s going on with you.” Really impressed both father and son.
John Long
February 11th, 2011
3:07 pm
We are all saddened by the loss of one of our greatest southern humorists, Georgia radio professionals, and inaugural (2007) career achievement inductees. The membership of the Georgia Radio hall of Fame send much love and positive thoughts to the Hanson family.
Legend of Len Barker
February 11th, 2011
3:13 pm
The elephants are now breathing a sigh of relief as Ludlow is no longer on his diet.
TrafficHeadache
February 11th, 2011
3:14 pm
Funseekers all over will miss Ludlow. Keep ‘em laughing up there.
John
February 11th, 2011
3:37 pm
Man what a joyful place heaven must be.He and Lewis swapping stories.Lewis and Ludlow are gone as is the Atlanta media.Royal! Get behind the control board.It’s time for The Funseekers.
Long Time Listener, 1st Time Caller
February 11th, 2011
3:42 pm
Now we know why God brought Royal Marshall in a few weeks ago. He needed a producer for Ludlow’s show. WSB and the ATL are well represented.
Bonnie
February 11th, 2011
3:47 pm
My grandmother used to swear by Ludlow. What a combination, Ludlow, Lewis, and Royal – my grandmother must be extremely happy. Rest in peace. Prayers to the family. I know he will be missed.
Sergeant Stryker
February 11th, 2011
3:51 pm
Ludlow, you should have known that Marines cannot die without permission from their Sergeant Major.
I’m afraid this will reflect on your service record. Semper Fi and stand at ease, old friend.
Hillbilly Deluxe
February 11th, 2011
3:57 pm
Some of the best spoofs that were ever pulled off, on the radio.
People need to remember his tag line, “Whatever else you do today, you find somebody to be nice to”.
Dianne
February 11th, 2011
3:58 pm
I met Ludlow at a book signing at my brother’s bookstore many years ago. He was charming and funny. Rest in peach Ludlow.
Ted
February 11th, 2011
4:23 pm
My late mother in law loved Ludlow (as did I.) For her birthday, I sent a note to Ludlow and asked him to wish her a happy birthday. Because he was off the air, that day, he couldn’t honor my request. He called me and apologized. Calling Ludlow a class act doesn’t begin to cover it.
Thanks, Rodney.
Khrystal Kleer
February 11th, 2011
4:25 pm
Luddy, you will be sorely, sorely missed – from the little sister you never had nor wanted. Imagine my surprise when I found out you autographed other folks’ books that way. Dude, you were, like, sooooo funny. See ya in a few.
Lou
February 11th, 2011
4:27 pm
Heard him for years on RING and WSB. After that, I no longer listened, as I didn’t know where and how to find him on radio in the Atlanta area. He was a great humorist. I, too, remember the Naugahyde spoof and all the crazies who called in on a regular basis, especially loved the actor David Milford and his Ludlow “characters.” RIP
i
Joe in Cumming
February 11th, 2011
4:32 pm
A Great American!!
scott
February 11th, 2011
4:34 pm
A true southern gentleman and humourist. I cant imagine being around him and Lewis and hearing whatever the subject was.
Rest in Peace
Lake Seminole Jim
February 11th, 2011
4:41 pm
SEMPER FI. Thanks for all the Marine Corps Birthday Parties @ the Blue Ribbon Grill.
"Chef" Tim Dix
February 11th, 2011
4:47 pm
To honor his memory, “”Whatever else you do today, you find somebody to be nice to”
He’d feel fulfilled.
George
February 11th, 2011
5:00 pm
The squirrels are safe. He was a great American and will be missed.