“Love…there’s the love for Jesus Christ, the love for your family, the love for your children, the love that you display to other people. “Yes, love, in one word, is to describe life. If you’ve got it, if you receive it, you’ve got it made.”

Those are the words that Luther Masingill had in his obituary after he passed on Monday, October 20 surrounded by close family and friends. His death, however, did not spark lamentation, but instead joy and reflection of his life and how his legacy still lives on.

Luther Masingill, known as “America’s oldest DJ” or the “Voice of Chattanooga” to many, was not only a legend here at home, but also nationally and internationally. He wore the title of “World’s Longest Broadcaster”, and he looked great in it! His broadcasting career spanned for 74 years, starting with live air broadcasting to inform listeners of the bombing at Pearl Harbor to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Luther was a beacon of light for Chattanooga in some of our most turbulent times.

People loved Luther’s dependability and longevity, having the same time slot at the same station for his career’s entirety. Listeners knew that they would always hear his voice come over the air in the morning to first say “Good Morning!”  then to tell listeners of lost pets.

Luther was inducted into the Tennessee and National Radio Halls of Fame. With all of the distinction, however, he was humble and always ready to help others get through their day with simply his voice.

“I don’t think he’ll go quietly. It’s something he loves. It’s just something in his fiber. I think he’ll do this to the very last breath he takes,” said Doris Ellis, his  long time co-worker and friend at WDEF.

Broadcasting was his life’s calling, and he finished his work.

Luther said,” I want people to remember me fondly…I was a finder of lost dogs and cats and things…tried to help people out on the air when they were burned out. Radio and TV can be so helpful to people. Just remember me as a nice guy.”

I think Luther got his wish.