Bill Wilkerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Wilkerson
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| Born | 1945 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
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| Died | November 2, 2017 (aged 72) Florissant, Missouri, U.S.
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| Education | B.A. (Journalism) |
| Alma mater | SIU |
| Occupation | Radio personality |
| Years active | 1969–2006 |
| Spouse(s) |
Margie
(m. 1977; died 2017) |
| Children | 3 |
Bill Wilkerson (1945 – November 2, 2017) was a famous American radio personality. He was also a sports announcer. Bill had a long and successful career in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked at radio stations KMOX from 1969 to 1996 and KTRS from 1996 to 2006.
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Early Life and Education
Bill Wilkerson was born and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He went to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. There, he studied journalism and earned his bachelor's degree. Bill also played football while he was in college.
A Career in Radio
In 1969, Bill Wilkerson started his first job at KMOX radio in St. Louis. He became well-known for his sports announcing.
Announcing Sports
Bill worked with Bob Costas for the Spirits of St. Louis basketball team in 1975-76. He was the radio play-by-play announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals football team. He did this from 1973 until the team moved to Phoenix in 1987. He returned for one season in 1994.
Bill Wilkerson made history. He was the first African American to be the main play-by-play announcer for an NFL team. He was also the first African American color announcer for the St. Louis Blues hockey team. He worked with Dan Kelly for these games. Bill also broadcast Missouri Tigers football games from 1976 to 1993.
Morning Radio Host
While announcing football games, Bill also co-hosted KMOX's "Total Information AM." This was a popular morning show. He worked with Bob Hardy and Wendy Wiese for many years. In 1996, Bill and Wendy moved to a different St. Louis radio station, KTRS. Bill Wilkerson retired from radio in 2006.
Beyond the Airwaves
After retiring from radio, Bill Wilkerson started his own business. It was called MPS Worldwide, a company that dealt with chemicals.
Bill was also very involved in his community. He was a long-time board member for the Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club in St. Louis. He also served on the boards of the American Red Cross, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and the St. Louis Zoological Society. He is a member of the Mizzou Media Hall of Fame.
His Final Years
Bill Wilkerson passed away on November 2, 2017. He died at his home in Florissant, Missouri. He had been sick for a short time before his death.
