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
Pea Eye Parker
February 11th, 2011
5:01 pm
My Lord … ol’ Ludlow’s gone … my Lord.
Michael Lawrence
February 11th, 2011
5:30 pm
It was more enjoyable to listen to Ludlow Porch than to listen to Neal Boortz.
autoguard
February 11th, 2011
5:31 pm
Just Damn. :’-(
Longtime caller, first-time listener
February 11th, 2011
5:36 pm
“Well, good morning Funseekers! How are ya’ll doing out there in radio land? Just fine, I hope. Let me tell you what I want to talk about today…”
Tommy from Waleska
February 11th, 2011
5:38 pm
Here is a recent video I found on YouTube showing Ludlow at his best. Enjoy….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBi_-tTwfoE
Whatever else you do today, you find somebody to be nice to”
Irisher
February 11th, 2011
5:59 pm
RIF, Luddy!! (That’s Rest in Fun!!)
Say Hey to your Momma ‘n them.
Fellow MCHS Graduate
February 11th, 2011
6:04 pm
I feel like I have lost a member of the family. Sooo many memories. Remember the night he announced that the NCAA would allow only one school to have each mascot, and that Georgia would no longer be the Bulldogs and Tech not the Yellow Jackets. Even better was the night that the guy lost his true love because he was Bipedal, and the Bipedal Defamation League called in to protest.
Later, in the daytime shows, I would stop everything on Friday when Ciero Greenburg, the operator of the only drive-in funeral home that he knew of would call in. Ray D. Ater and Edner, the Flip Flop Parades, on and on.
I loved his show in any incarnation. I love all of his books. I still enjoy the tapes of his famous “roasts”.
Thanks for all the memories!! And, Ludlow, I found several people to be nice to today!!
David
February 11th, 2011
7:25 pm
I had never heard of Ludlow Porch but my company truck at the time only had an AM radio and I began listening to his show and was HOOKED. What a WONDERFUL show he put on and though I have moved on, I still remember his show and the “Wackos”. God bless Ludlow. They don’t make em like you any more. And whatever else you do today, you find somebody to be nice to.
TC
February 11th, 2011
7:56 pm
Ludlow Porch was simply THE BEST talk radio host that I have ever heard-bar none! I met him at a book-signing in 1999 and was very impressed. I DO NOT & WILL NOT listen to political talk radio-those people are more concerned with being a part of the problem than a part of the solution. I will continue to listen to Denny for as long as he continues Ludlow’s tradition.
Robin
February 11th, 2011
9:06 pm
God bless you Ludlow. Please tell Lewis hello. This UGA girl can’t hear “My Girl” without thinking about him. Bless you both…you are missed.
Keith from Berkeley Lake
February 11th, 2011
9:34 pm
When I sent my 33 year old daughter a note telling her that Ludlow had passed, she sent me the following response…………Dad, you basically raised me and Mary Beth to believe Ludlow Porch was actually in the car with us whenever we rode with you around Atlanta. I can’t believe you’re not one of the pallbearers.
sea
February 11th, 2011
9:39 pm
My Mother and my late Dad got so much joy from listening to Ludlow..
Thanks for the memories…
Atlanta's Leading Lobstertrician
February 11th, 2011
10:15 pm
I’m not Frank Herren, but I’m pretty sure my friend Allen’s mother was “July Fly”. I loved Ludlow, and listened to him every morning for years, when I was high as a bat working for the Mail Service. His topics for discussion were so mundane,so wholly inoffensive as to be borderline moronic, but still endearing. To this day my friends and I still remember a fixture of Ludlow’s program featuring the ongoing campaign between the incumbent North Georgia Sheriff and his gay challenger who always said, “It’s so nice to be nice.” RIP, Ludlow , and welcome home to all those traveling salesmen getting home on a Friday night!
Tweets that mention UPDATE: Former Ring Radio/WSB Radio host Ludlow Porch has died | Radio & TV Talk -- Topsy.com
February 11th, 2011
11:04 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jonathan G. Williams, Kyle Binkley. Kyle Binkley said: @Talkmaster Ludlow Porch past away this morning! Just damn. http://tinyurl.com/4h8z2v8. Has link to listen to a tribute for him. [...]
Ricky Grooms
February 12th, 2011
12:02 am
RIP Ludlow, you were a good guy.
Red Oak Fred
February 12th, 2011
12:59 am
I grew up down in the College Park/Red Oak area and am pretty sure he had an antique-type store in an old house, in the late 70’s, near spur 14 near 85, down the street from the Little Giant…anybody else remember that? (and across the street was a house that had a pet monkey outside tied up which would jump around and would scale either the fence or the poles of the power substation next door…and no, you can’t make any of that up…) Anyway, a sad day for a native Atlanta, thinking of him brings back many good memories…
Heathcliff
February 12th, 2011
1:04 am
A nicer man never lived. You put a smile on my face many times. Loved the book: There’s Nothing Neat about Seeing Your Feet.
Donna Overall
February 12th, 2011
2:20 am
As the World’s Only Country & Western Exotic Dancer, Earline P. (as in Precious and Plenty) Bountiful, I was one of Ludlow’s whackos starting with WRNG Radio and throughout the WSB years. I’ve never had so much fun in my life. I treasure my “Whacko Emeritus” medal that Ludlow presented to me sometime back in the 80’s. I know that Ludlow and Lewis are really yucking it up with some of the real old-timers like Big Daddy from Tucker, Sadie Baby, Roxanne, the Bard of Avon, and others of the original whackos that preceded them into Whacko Heaven. Ludlow was the touchstone for some of the most creative people I have ever met. I will never forget his gentle good humor and send my sincere condolences to Nancy and his family. Happy Trails to you, Ludlow, until we meet again.
Gunny Mike
February 12th, 2011
2:33 am
My only experience with Ludlow, other than listening to him with my Grandfather, was at the Marine Corps Birthday in 1992. I was the youngest Marine there and by tradition, I cut the cake with the oldest Marine there. I was alwys greatful for his patriotism for having the celebration at the ol’Blue Ribbon. I sure hope someone from this new generation can step up and remember what “wholesomeness” means
Travis McGee
February 12th, 2011
4:58 am
I almost drove off the road when back in the days when rapid transit was being discussed Ludlow had a guest on with an accent who stated he was in town to promote the rechanneling of the Chattahoochee down Peachtree St. for the purpose of introducing gondolas to Atlanta for rapid transit purposes. Many called in totally irate over such a solution to the traffic problems.
And, who can forget Kid Chocolate?
Fun times for this ol’ funseeker!
SmartAwhiteboy
February 12th, 2011
6:12 am
One of the great ones is gone. I came of age listening to Ludlow on WRNG. He spoke in language and content that I knew as a child in rural south GA. Independent, self sufficient but most of all giving and caring. He used the power that was bestowed on him as media personality to make us laugh, to make us think and most importantly to remind us of our humanity. I will miss Ludow Porch.
stan
February 12th, 2011
6:33 am
When I first moved to Atlanta in December 1983, I lived in a rooming house in S.W. Atlanta by the West End. I only had a AM radio. Could only get 1 or 2 stations and I heard the name Ludlow Porch anyone who remember that year will tell you it was one of the coldest months ever in Atlanta. Thanx Mr. Porch for getting me through that very tough first month. In the Atl. RI{P and much condolences to your family
AIRCONTROL
February 12th, 2011
8:26 am
Semper Fi Big Guy! You made me laugh and I made you laugh! I’m gonna miss your wisdom and humor! Ludlow has gone to the Big Radio Station in the sky! May Denny and George carry on the Funseekers love and tradition for many years to come!
Tech72
February 12th, 2011
10:28 am
From the Flip-Flop Parade in Tucker Georgia lead by Kitty Litter, to the yarn about raising Nauga’s in southern Illinois (where else would you get Naugahide?, to one of his children “coming out” and announcing they were ambidexterous…(How do famlies deal with this?)…Ludlow gave us good, clean fun. A great American, a man of the people. Thanks for the smiles, chuckles and pull off the road, belly laughs!
WONDER WOMAN
February 12th, 2011
10:42 am
LUDLOW WAS ALWAYS WELCOME ON PARADISE ISLAND, A WONDERFUL MAN HE WAS! WONDER WOMAN
holton
February 12th, 2011
10:59 am
Rest in Peace Ludlow. You will be missed.
Scott
February 12th, 2011
11:31 am
I had the priveledge and honor to work with Lud and am a better person for it.He was one of a kind from a gentle, smart and kindness aspect. I know he will be greatly missed. I learned a lot from him.
sheila
February 12th, 2011
12:45 pm
started to listine ludlow in 1995 in cleveland tn at work always enjoyed how he could bring things back from your childhood and talking about food. he was a most wonderful southern gentlemen. he will make them laugh in heaven. and to his kids you had a wonderful father.
Steve Aldridge
February 12th, 2011
1:24 pm
I had listened to Ludlow for years prior to meeting him in 1994 when he and Denny did a remote in Covington GA. At that time, I was doing a 30 minute weekly segment on health care on WGFS AM 1430. Ludlow invited me to come to his studio at Falcon Inn and do a 2 hour segment (9-11 am cause he wasn’t sure how it would work) on his show. I went – scared to death – sitting there with the world famous Ludlow Porch – stomach loaded with butterflies…..and Ludlow said “Just relax, it’s just me and you and that person on the phone talking…” And the program went great, and I’ve been blessed to work with Lud, Denny and George since 1994. He knew that his Funseekers had a lot of health care questions, and it was a delight to get to know everybody a lot better.
I got to visit Ludlow about a week prior to his graduation, and he was struggling due to the effects of the stroke and pneumonia. He’s suffering no more and can see, walk, dance, prance, flop Lewis on the head, and not worry about his blood sugar any more.
God Bless You Ludlow for what you have meant to so many people for so many years. You are truly a legend. And a special salute to Denny and George for continuing the tradition ! Nancy was a very special lady to Lud and I know each day will be a challenge for her – but she has the WhackoWorld behind her !
Hillbilly Deluxe
February 12th, 2011
1:52 pm
One of my favorites was “Would you pay to see Big Daddy stomped, for charity?”. Anybody else remember that one? And whatever became of Homer Southwell and Leon McSleeze?
Brenda Miller T.
February 12th, 2011
3:30 pm
Ludlow, what a gift you were to all of us. I want to thank you for the laughter and fun you brought to my life. One of the best times of my life was producing your show at Ring Radio. Thanks for the memories, my friend.
Linda Hodges
February 12th, 2011
4:45 pm
“Bee-Bop” here…from the old WRNG and WSB days. What a grand time we had. I have ALL of Luddy’s and Lewis’s books and I think I shall have a comedy readying marathon this weekend! That is if my bladder can handle it. LOL Miss you so much, Luddy.
Kyle Harvey
February 12th, 2011
7:40 pm
Everyones comments are so amazing! Ludlow was a blessing to my life and I am a better man for having been around him for many years…which now only seemed like days. Ludlow was Ludlow on the air and off, always the same amazing man making us laugh all the time. As wonderful as I know heaven is, it just got a little better. See you soon, Ludlow.
Charze
February 12th, 2011
10:20 pm
“All snakes are deadly poison – from red wigglers to anacondas.” No snakes in heaven, Luddy . . .
RIP: Ludlow Porch — Peach Pundit
February 12th, 2011
11:07 pm
[...] catching up on the weeks events in the real world and came across the sad news that radio legend Ludlow Porch passed away at the age of [...]
Scott
February 13th, 2011
8:53 am
Leon McSleaze retired and turned into Free. Homer Southwell died from cirrhosis of the liver after a protracted bout with a title pawn company.
Scott
February 13th, 2011
8:54 am
Enter your comments here
NoShamSam
February 13th, 2011
9:26 am
RIP
Old Mother Hubbard from Hickory Flat
February 13th, 2011
12:20 pm
I often tell people about his show on “Carrying a bucket.” My wife’s sister got taken hook, line, and sinker. I laugh about it every time I tell it. I will always cherish the day I called in and “cracked him up” with a joke. May his family always remember the good times, and know he was a hero to us all.
Deborah Moore
February 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
I enjoyed listening and calling in to Ludlow Porch’s show during the late 80’s when I first moved to Atlanta. I think I met him at the Blue Ribbon on Briarcliff Road. He let you vent long before “venting” was popular. I hope that his family always have wonderful memories of him.
long time listner from canton
February 14th, 2011
9:38 am
Ludlow supplied his fans with daily doses of humor and encouragement. He will be missed. God bless his family and untold number of friends who cared for him sodeeply through this difficult time. Ludlow was the best.
who?
February 14th, 2011
9:50 am
never heard of him
how2fish
February 14th, 2011
10:44 am
I grew up listening to Ludlow and reading Lewis….I will miss them both..happy trails Ludlow and thanks!
KatieBelle
February 14th, 2011
3:50 pm
I went to one of his book signings w/my grandmother at a retirement community when I was about 15. I actually had read all his books and adored him! He looked at me and said “well, you’re a pretty young thing in a place like this!” Put a big smile on my face, for sure! He signed my book “to the prettiest gal I’ve seen all day!” I beamed from ear to ear and couldn’t wait to show everyone!
RIP, Ludlow!
I later found out he wrote that quite often, but I didn’t care…it was fun, and knowing that he did that sort of made it funny to me b/c it just seemed like something he might’ve said *and meant* to every lady he saw. Ludlow was a special man with a real talent, and he will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known of him or blessed enough to know him personally.
My friend says her dad is living on a farm in Heaven next door to Lewis and Catfish… My dad joined them on the farm 2 years ago, and I am hoping he and Lewis greeted Ludlow with a tall glass of sweet tea and lots of fun stories to tell!
Susan Brown
February 14th, 2011
6:44 pm
Ludlow and the Whackos made me laugh many times through the years when nothing else could. Life will be little sadder in the future. Remember, grease is our friend!
Susan from Monroe
Annie
February 14th, 2011
11:47 pm
Ludlow so brightened my work day from 9 to 12. We will all miss him dearly. Ludlow please enjoy a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich with Elvis. Prayers to family and friends.
“Whatever else you do today, you find someone to be nice to. RIP
Helen Rice
February 15th, 2011
8:05 am
I worked with Ludlow’s daughter Barbara back in 1974 at what used to be Atlanta West Hospital. I had listened to Ludlow on the radio and imagine my suprise when I found out that she was his daughter. Been a long time fan and will certainly miss him. His unique style of humor will be missed greatly. Prayers for the family and all the radio family alos.
George
February 16th, 2011
1:26 pm
Enter your comments here
George
February 16th, 2011
1:36 pm
Had the pleasure and honor of working with Ludlow for 16 years, though it really was not work, it was fun, every time in the studio. People had a hard time describing his show. Only in the last two years did I come to a conclusion about that. The Ludlow Porch Show was like recess, a welcomed break from the daily routine and something you looked forward to every day. I don’t know how I got so lucky to work with such a man but I was truly blessed and proud to call Ludlow my friend.
Earl D. from C H E R O K E E
February 16th, 2011
2:52 pm
Cherokee County, Canton, Georgia. My how time flys, as I talked to Denny on the air just this morning.
I had a book of Ludlow’s I had picked up in an antique store in Jasper, Georgia, in 2005. I attended a Whaco party in 2002 at Boiling Park in Canton, Georgia. Got to meet Ludlow, his wonderful wife Nancy and a number of the Funseekers Network (Whaco’s as Luddy referred to us).
I convey my deepest condolences to all who knew him, and hope that you can find comfort in all the memories throughout his life.