Randy Smith: Bob Kesling Says He's Hanging It Up

I've known Voice of the Vols Bob Kesling for almost 45 years. He was just starting at WBIR-TV in Knoxville while I was at WDEF-TV in Chattanooga. We met covering bowl games for Tennessee and during high school football season we shared a lot of video. When I joined the Vol Network in 1984, Bob was already a member of the network staff and we have been friends ever since, though it's been a while since I've spoken to him.

Last week, he announced he was retiring after more than 25 years as the Volunteers' broadcast voice. When he was hired to replace the legendary John Ward in 1999, he was facing one of his greatest challenges....replacing an icon who decided he needed to retire at the age of 68 after 30 years in the booth. Those of us in the media always said, "It would be better to replace the guy who replaces John Ward rather than actually replace Ward."

Though Bob may have been a bit apprehensive about the task ahead he met it head-on and has done an outstanding job. He took the criticism he received simply for 'not' being John Ward and totally ignored it, and that's what I admire most about him. Kesling is 70 years old and has been married to his wife Tami for over 40 years. They have two daughters, Allison and Melissa, who have blessed them with grandchildren and they are the biggest reason he's retiring, and trust me....I know what he meant when he said it was time to be a full-time granddad.

In 2010, Bob was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma, which is a form of skin cancer. It was a scary time in his life but, after undergoing treatments and closely monitoring things, after 18 months he had won that battle as well.

I've been asked a dozen times or more about who will replace the man who courageously replaced John Ward. If I were a betting man, I would put my money on current Voice of the Tennessee Titans Mike Keith, who is also a Vol Network alum, or current Baseball Voice of the Vols John Wilkerson. Either one would do a super job.

I would love to say Bob is a great golfer....but he's not. He is, however, a very good cello player which is something very few people know about. He is also a very compassionate person working with many Knoxville charities. All in all, Bob Kesling is a good man, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He's also a good friend and I wish him the very best in his retirement. Now....go be a granddad!