WSKZ Midday Host and Assistant Program Director Kelly McCoy passed away on Tuesday. She was 58.
Ms. McCoy was part of the fabric of Chattanooga during a radio career that spanned more than 35 years following her years as an East Ridge Pioneer and Boyd-Buchanan Buccaneer. She began her radio career at Chattanooga’s first news radio station, WZRA, before moving to WGOW-AM as programming secretary then on-air host at the Top 40 music station, to classic rock WFXS, and then to classic rock KZ-106 where she became the area’s top midday radio host for two decades.
Scott Chase, operations manager, Cumulus Chattanooga, said, “Kelly McCoy was a much-loved radio personality and colleague, and we mourn her loss and send our deepest condolences to her family. Kelly set the standard for music radio hosts in Chattanooga. She will be greatly missed.
Ms. McCoy was intimately involved with artists, concerts, events, and most especially listeners. But she was also an advocate for those who can’t speak: animals. Kelly’s Pet Project found homes for hundreds of dogs through the Humane Educational Society.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly on Tuesday joined the chorus of voices mourning the sudden passing of Ms. McCoy. He said, “Kelly made it her mission for more than 30 years to keep our spirits high, our hearts full, and our toes tapping,” said Chattanooga Mayor TIm Kelly. “She was a local treasure who kept us laughing, who went above and beyond to serve not just her radio audience, but anyone in Chattanooga who needed someone to lean on. Ginny and I join Kelly’s family in mourning her loss.”
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Humane Educational Society. Final arrangements are pending.