Published: October 22, 2008 05:26 pm      

‘Unkle Bob’ of radio fame dies

jeff.waters@gaflnews.com



The area is mourning the loss of a favorite radio personality.

Robert “Unkle Bob” Hendrickson (the spelling is intentional), of Lake City, passed away early Monday at the age of 64 at Lake City Medical Center, according to Station Manager Scott Berns of Power Country 102. Berns said Hendrickson had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just days earlier.

Hendrickson was a host of the Classic Classified, broadcast Saturday mornings on Lake City-based 102.1. The show was much-loved in Live Oak and elsewhere, where folks would call to publicize their yard sales or just to say they had something to sell.

Hendrickson was president and general manager of WQLC Power Country 102.1. He had been hosting the Classic Classified since 1991 when the show first aired, said Berns. Before coming to Power Country, Berns said that Hendrickson was a consultant for several radio stations.

“I’m going to miss his laughter in the hallways,” Berns said. “The mood here is somber, reflective.”

Berns said the station staff is sharing stories, remembering “Unkle Bob.”

“We’re all trying to stay upbeat,” he said.

“One thing I’m going to miss is his friendship,” said Robert Sullivan, pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Lake City and a spokesperson for the family. “We rode around a lot together. He called me two or three times a day and we ended up eating lunch together at least twice a week and each time he would introduce someone new to me. I am really going to miss that,” Sullivan said.

“They (Hendrickson’s family) love this community and the people in it and Bob did too. She (Hendrickson’s wife) said she wanted us to on with the laughter. She said please make sure there is laughter this Saturday,” Sullivan said Tuesday.

Hendrickson is survived by wife Kathy Sue; one son, Bobby of Riverview and two daughters, Lori Hutchinson of Brandon and Katina Dicks of Lake City as well as six grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dees-Parrish Family Funeral Home of Lake City. A spokesperson for the facility said arrangements would be released today.