Longtime local radio personality Parker Smith is off the air for the time being.
Parker said he is spending time with his mother, who is under Hospice care, after departing from The Mountain, where he was morning co-host with Jason Walker.
Parker began working in radio in 1981 while in college. His first job came as a weekend radio news person at the now defunct WDXB-AM, and then he moved to WFLI-AM as an overnight personality.
His next gig was at WDOD-AM in the mid 80's, where he partnered with Bill Burkett to form a successful radio team.
When the opportunity came to begin a new station, Lite Mix 105, Parker and Bill moved there. The pair later replaced Dale Deason on Morning Drive for many years.
Parker left Lite Mix 105 when it was announced the station was going into receivership.
He then joined Dale Deason as part of the beginnings of local Talk Radio.
Parker returned to WDOD after a stint building pools in a family business.
Parker Smith said, "At this time I have no future plans, other than to be with my mother. I was dismissed from WDOD, leaving behind many friends, memories, and a fantastic partner in Jason Walker.
"I also leave behind not only a legend but an icon in Luther, who should be respected for not only his longevity, but his tolerance and patience in a business that these days is mostly run by people who have no clue what working behind a microphone entails. It's not as easy as one may think to satisfy boss after boss, consultant after consultant, for very little reward.
"I will miss radio in many ways, and in many ways not. I have met friends through my early days of courthouse reporting, possibly the happiest time of my life, that I have until this day.
"I appreciate all those who have listened to me for 25 years, and I dearly hope I have at least left you with some memory of my performance."
Parker Smith can be reached at
parkerfromtn@webtv.net