Gary Burbank

Gary Burbank, born William E. Purser, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born on July 29, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Dorothy and Raymond Woods.

Gary will be remembered as a legendary and inventive radio personality whose voice, humor, and creativity left an indelible mark on American broadcasting. He launched his radio career under the name Bill Williams at KLPL in Lake Providence, Louisiana. In 1968, he made waves at WAKY in Louisville, Kentucky, where he officially adopted the name Gary Burbank and quickly became a local sensation. He later spent five years at WHAS, where his novelty single, “Who Shot JR?”, charted on Billboard’s Top 100.

In 1981, Gary began what would become his most iconic chapter, joining 700 WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until his retirement in 2007. Over the course of his career, Gary created more than 20 unforgettable on-air characters, including the beloved Earl Pitts Uhmerikun, Gilbert Gnarley, and Howlin’ Blind Muddy Slim, Your 60-Minute Jelly-Belly Toejam Man.

His work earned him numerous accolades, including back-to-back Marconi Awards and his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012. Beyond the microphone, Gary was also a celebrated musician who performed with the Mar-Keys and, more recently, released music with the Nathan Witt Band.

To say Gary had a brilliant, creative mind would be an understatement. Whether on the airwaves, in the recording studio, or even during his service as a U.S. Army veteran, his creative spirit threaded through every part of his life.

More than his career, Gary was a deeply devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol; his son, Sean (Dawn); his daughter, Tracy (Ron); and five granddaughters who lit up his world: Abigail, Rachel (Major), Morgan, Grace, and Claire. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, River and Ryder, and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws who held a special place in his heart.

A private family service will be held at his cherished Rainbow River. A public celebration of life will be planned in Cincinnati at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Play it Forward (Cincy), Hospice of Marion County, Florida, or Hosparus Health Louisville—organizations that reflect the care, music, and love that Gary valued so deeply.