Bill Way of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, November 27, surrounded by his family. After his November 16 radio show, Bill went to the hospital and that afternoon learned that he had a large mass on his pancreas and spots on his liver. He was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center and later diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
He was not in any pain, but his condition deteriorated rapidly so he was moved into Alive Hospice on Sunday, November 25. Talk radio legend Bill Way starred as host of “It’s Your Turn” on News/Talk 101. 5 FM for 24 years.
Bill received numerous Readers’ Choice awards for “Favorite Show” and “Favorite Host”. He was highly sought for endorsements because of his eminently recognizable voice. Above all, Bill was the consummate entertainer who understood that the star of the show was the listener.
He loved to tell stories and was unmatched in his ability to spin tall tales. Bill truly is the reigning King of all west Tennessee media. He found success in advertising and PR, first as owner of Advertising Arts and later as co-owner of Way Wilcher Advertising.
Bill was the founder of TRTV, owner-publisher of The New City Magazine, and host of “Area Code 901”. In his early career, Bill was an Associated Press reporter and a high school English teacher. He had an enormous social media following.
In addition, Bill was a talented singer/songwriter and had a long career with The Fabulous Delacardos until they retired just a few years ago. Bill will be remembered for his love of animals, good food, music, enjoying life at Birdsong, boating, camping, Alabama football, NASCAR, and golf. Most of all, he leaves a legacy of adoration and pride for his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Gant Way of Jackson, daughter Kimberly Way Henke (Steve) and her sons Will (18) and Sam (15) of Franklin, daughter Kirsten Way Mason (Jeff) and her children Sydney (12) and Tyler (10) of Franklin, and sister Gail Way Mapes (Tom) and her daughter Marcie Mapes Woodard of Jackson. Bill wanted to have a private service with immediate family only. This has been a struggle for the family because he’s such a beloved public figure that thousands of friends, near and far, want to honor.
In lieu of a public memorial service, Bill’s family invites everyone to tune in to a tribute program on WNWS 101. 5 FM (wnws.com/listen-live/) on Wednesday, November 28, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Central. A recorded link to the WNWS tribute show will be posted on billwayshow.com in a few days.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that your share your condolences here and make a donation in Bill’s honor to the charity of your choice. “My whole life has been guided by two philosophies … ‘I am often wrong but NEVER in doubt. ’ ‘With me, it’s 90% entertainment and 10% information.
I promise you the 10% information will be very entertaining.
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