Remembering John Wetherbee
• It is with great sadness that the Friends Of Georgia Radio announces the passing of John Wetherbee, literally a towering figure in meteorology and broadcasting. Standing at 6ft 9in, “Big John” was a beloved figure known nationwide for his dynamic presence as a meteorologist, TV and radio personality, program director, and general manager.
A 2014 inductee into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame, Wetherbee was recently inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters’ (GAB) Hall of Fame. GAB President Bob Houghton said, “I’ve known ‘Big John’ Wetherbee first as a listener when he was a rock and roll disc jockey in Chicago, and then after re-connecting again here in Atlanta. His energy never slowed down. I can tell you that when I called him to tell him he was being inducted into the GAB Hall of Fame, the very first thing he said was, ‘How can I help you?’ And that was so typical of John. There wasn’t a nicer guy in the business.”
Wetherbee’s illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he became a sealed and certified radio and TV meteorologist. He served as the Chief Meteorologist for CBS TV stations in Atlanta and Savannah and lent his expertise to TV stations in Nashville and Chattanooga, as well as radio stations across Ohio, California, Portland, Chicago, Indianapolis, Athens, and Atlanta.
In 1997, Wetherbee launched his Radio Weather Service, which revolutionized the industry with unique lifestyle weather forecasts, reaching over 160 radio stations across all time zones and three networks. Wetherbee’s expertise was recognized with the highest certification from the American Meteorological Society. He also served as President of a local AMS chapter and on the AMS Broadcast Meteorology Board.
Wetherbee’s professional journey also included notable stints at Taft, RKO, Shamrock, Clear Channel, WRCB-TV/Chattanooga, WGCL-TV/Atlanta, and WTOC-TV/Savannah. He also served as Chief Meteorologist at Raycom Media and Envision Radio Networks and Operations Manager at Clear Channel Radio in Savannah. He later founded Wetherbee Media & Marketing and provided weather forecasts for affiliates of the Georgia News Network.
Friends of Georgia Radio Vice President Dennis Winslow said, “I knew John’s exceptional work in Chicago radio and as PD of WALR (Lite Rock 104.7) in Atlanta. When he became available, we immediately asked him to join us at Fox 97 as midday personality and Assistant PD. He couldn’t have been a better fit — always positive, upbeat, and, most of all, a wonderful human being. I can’t imagine a world without John in it. He was an incredible broadcaster, but mostly a good friend. I will miss him terribly.”
Wetherbee is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Diana, their three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four cherished grandchildren. His legacy in meteorology and broadcasting will continue to inspire future generations. John Wetherbee will be deeply missed, but his contributions to the field and impact on many lives will never be forgotten.
