Luther and Buddy
Buddy Houts went to work for WDEF as the producer of Luther Masingill’s “Sundial” program in the 40’s. He even hosted an early morning radio program on the station called “Rise and Shine.”
Several decades later Buddy started his second career at the Chattanooga News Free Press as automotive and city desk editor. When working at the newspaper Buddy was a fixture still sharing funny stories with Luther on WDEF.
Buddy died in 1989 and reporter Jim Ashley shared a few NFP newsroom stories:
Former County Commissioner Curtis Adams, who worked at the Free Press for years as circulation manager, recalled the time Buddy was visited by a couple of FBI agents in the newsroom.
Mr. Adams said he just happened to be there when the agents arrived at Buddy's desk. He said that after they identified themselves and showed their badges to him, "Buddy jumped up, opened his billfold and said, 'Buddy Houts, Red Food Store.'"
Then there was the time Buddy gave Mr. Roy (McDonald) a ride in a Chattanooga police car. Buddy was test driving the vehicle one day and offered to drive Mr. Roy to a grand opening at Marshal Mize Ford. So, with the siren blasting and lights flashing, Buddy drove at speeds up to 115 mph. And when they got back to the Free Press, Mr. Roy shouted, "I'm not ever getting in a car with you again, Houts!" --- And he never did.
Buddy House was only 59 when he passed. Buddy Houts was guest on the “Hey Earl Show” in 1987 and he shared a very funny story about his mother.
Click here to listen.