John Edd Thompson was a ‘unique professional,' ‘sweet soul,' colleagues say

Yahoo

11-05-2025

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — John Edd Thompson, a longtime Gulf Coast TV meteorologist, died May 5 at 82. While the venerable weatherman (born July 25, 1942) made his mark at WALA-TV, he crossed paths with WKRG-TV colleagues.
And made a big impression, they said.
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Stuart Kellogg worked at WKRG-TV as a reporter and then a weatherman from 1977 until 1980, before he worked in news management positions at WALA from 1980 until 1985.
Kellogg said Thompson blended his passions with ease.
'John Edd was a unique professional,' Kellogg said. 'He loved TV, and the weather, but his real passion was music.
'In fact, after moving to WALA (from WKRG),' Kellogg said, 'we started a softball team, 'The Ten Men.' John Edd wrote the jingle for the team, and my wife, a professional singer at the time, did the vocals. It was the perfect combination for him: TV and music!'
That passion for music began long before Thompson's TV days.
'His early career began behind the microphone, spinning records and performing outlandish stunts as a DJ in Moss Point, MS, and Baton Rouge—including famously riding a Ferris wheel for 23 hours,' states. 'A DJ slot at WABB brought him back to Mobile, where he went by the on-air name Buddy Starr.'
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Thompson's career included a stint at WKRG, where he was an announcer, before moving to WALA, where he worked in front of the camera and became a household name.
Kellogg described Thompson as someone who brought energy and humor to the newsroom.
'He had an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor,' Kellogg said. 'It was a joy working with John Edd, and I am so sad to hear of his passing. He lived a full life!'
recalled seeing Thompson at local music events.
'He was a musician and wrote a song or two…would see him from time to time at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival (in Orange Beach),' Williams said.
'What a sweet soul…so sorry to hear of his passing.'
remembered meeting Thompson during his retirement celebration in 2009, which marked his 45th year working in broadcasting.
'When John Edd announced he was retiring … I begged my family to take me to his retirement block party in downtown Mobile,' Poole said. 'He was so kind to younger Summer. He took a photo with me and autographed a photo of himself to give me.'
Poole said she still treasures the memento.
'I had his autographed photo hanging up in my room until I was in my late high school years,' she said. 'I still have it with me.'
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Thompson's family planned to hold a private memorial service; donations may be made in his name to the .
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