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Columbia's Gene McKay passes away

It really is a sad day that we lose a longtime broadcaster that has been around for many years. I've worked with him at WSCQ from 1996 to 1999 and deep down, under the gruff exterior, he truly was a fine human being!

My sincerest condolences to his wife, family, friends, & co-workers. He will be missed!

Robyn Watts,
A.K.A. Rob Thomas
WSCQ 1996-1999
 
Likewise...I agree...it is a sad day in Columbia radio. I remember when he first went on the air here in the early 60s. Columbia has lost a friendly voice and my thoughts are with his family and friends. Enjoyed listening for years and years.
 
Didn't know him personally but my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I always thought he really "classed-up" the market with his beautiful voice and his razor sharp wit. He was a great MOR personality without being maudlin or "syrupy" and I really admired that about him. R.I.P.
 
I met Gene and company at the SC state Fair back in 1998... It was the October that SCQ went automated VT'ing... I really liked to listen to Gene, and the rest of the wake up Columbia crew... Gene was never short on his opinions and he will really be missed... Like the song said "I did it my way" and on the air Gene was a classy person... RIP CC1
 
As much as I used to poke at Gene and the crew, I recognized what a contribution he's made to broadcasting and the community. Nobody was finer when it came to doing the stadium announcing at the Gamecocks games. The Okra Strut wouldn't be around without him. And AM 56 wouldn't have been the legendary MOR station that it was without his crew and other folks like John Wrisley.

Because Gene and Bill were the establishment, they were an easy target for humor. But it all came out of a recognition of their lasting impact on Columbians.

God bless you, Gene! Maybe God can have you page Doctor Number 4 to the Upper West Side Stands every now again for old times sake!
 
Steve Gene will be missed... I remember when SCQ switched from Standards to Jammin' Oldies all of the other jocks on Columbia radio took time out to acknowledge what kind of contribution Gene, Bill and Dave made to Columbia radio... I don't think as long as I have been not only an insider, but radio geek as well that I ever remember seeing as much class shown by all the other Columbia stations in honor of those guys... CC1
 
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