From Ben Guerrant, Danville —

I would like to extend both congratulations and gratitude to Charlie Perry upon hearing of his retirement from Hometown Radio Network’s WHIR 1230 AM. Charlie has long been the voice of a community, offering his unique brand of humor and entertainment to the news cycle each weekday morning. Four decades of commitment to serving Boyle County and its citizens will end for Charlie on Dec. 31, and his presence will surely be missed.

As the sound of the morning commute, a calming presence during emergencies, the voice of Friday Night Danville Football, Charlie has presided over much of our lives. Alongside his scores of listeners, Charlie has celebrated triumphs, shared defeat, spread the joy of good news, and mourned loss with grace, dignity, professionalism and class. Always there with the gift and ability to say the right thing at the right time, we have lived national and local history together as neighbors, with Charlie’s voice as the backdrop and soundtrack to our lives.

Professionally, I have had the fortune to sit behind the microphone each Monday morning for nearly the last four years with Charlie. Together, we have discussed the events and opportunities provided at A Gathering Place to our Senior Citizen and Special Needs Adult populations, myriad community events, varied volunteer opportunities, have been known to venture into local and UK sports, and occasionally bordered on absurdity and ridiculousness. From day one in studio, Charlie made it easy and fun, and I will certainly miss our time together each week.

Personally, I would like to congratulate my friend on a well-deserved retirement. I have known Charlie since I was a kid wearing a Steelers hat that caught his attention. Since then, we have talked live many times during remote broadcasts at different area happenings, played a little golf together, had too many Burke’s Bakery doughnut holes, and eaten more JTM burgers than I would care to count or admit. We have talked a lot, laughed more, and even shed the occasional tear. I will miss hearing my friend on the radio each day. 

Charlie, as you look back on your many years as the Duke of Danville, I hope it is with the same fondness we all hold for you. Do not weep as this chapter ends, my friend; smile because it is finished and a new one begins.