This message comes with great sadness and a heavy heart as I just learned of the passing of WSOY long time radio personality, Orv Graham.
Orv was the Walter Cronkite of Decatur, Illinois. I can’t remember a day where we weren’t tuned into WSOY listening to Orv report the news, the weather or a playlist of the many songs I grew up listening to.
Orv brought an air of class, dignity, sophistication, integrity, intellect and honesty that can’t be found in today’s radio or television personalities. He was legendary.
I remember many times, hearing my mother say to him that he was the voice who calmed the storms and gave us a sense of peace in knowing everything would be alright with the world.
Mom and I came to know him better when he welcomed us into the studio to speak on behalf of the Greek Orthodox community’s rich heritage and cultural traditions, particularly on March 25th as we celebrated the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary which also was the day of Greek Independence Day and our freedom from Turkish rule for so many years. We would bring our Greek records to the studio, highlighted various songs and he would play them throughout the day in honor of the Greeks of Decatur and around the world. His passion and commitment to the Greek community of Decatur didn’t stop there. He interviewed my mother and I as well as many other Greek women in the community, promoting our annual Stars Over Athens Dinner every first Thursday of May, again, playing Greek music on the air in the background of advertising for us. He joined us at the dinners every year and even joined in the circle of Greek dancing! What a guy!
In speaking for my fellow Greeks, I say to you, Orv Graham, we owe you a debt of gratitude for your passion for us and the community at large.
Our prayers are with your family and friends and we pray for your eternal and peaceful rest. Your memory will forever be an eternal blessing to all of us.
Join in the ring and dance with the Greeks you once knew who passed before you.
We salute you with a resounding OPA! and YASSOU as well as AXIO (you are deserving and worthy)!
With love and gratitude,
Annette Frank Phillips
