Gil Whitney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gil Whitney
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Whitney, c. 1980
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Gilman Whitney
August 18, 1940 Augusta, Maine, U.S.
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| Died | November 4, 1982 (aged 42) Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
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| Occupation | Television personality Weather reporter (also fill-in news/sports anchor) Talk show emcee |
| Known for | Timely weather warning during 1974 Super Outbreak co-founder of Dayton Air Show |
| Spouse(s) | Mary |
| Children | Gil Jr., John, Jennifer |
Gilman "Gil" Whitney (1940-1982) was a well-known TV personality from Dayton, Ohio. He worked mostly at WHIO television and radio. People remembered him for his friendly style and important weather warnings. After he passed away in 1982, he was honored in the Dayton Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2005.
Contents
Gil Whitney's Career
A Career in Television
Gil Whitney had many different jobs at WHIO. He sometimes filled in as a news anchor, reported on sports, and even covered interesting stories about people. By the early 1970s, he became a full-time weather specialist. People loved his funny and down-to-earth way of reporting the weather.
The Xenia Tornado Warning
As a weatherman, Gil Whitney is most famous for his quick warning on April 3, 1974. He warned about a very strong tornado, an F5 tornado, heading towards Xenia, Ohio. This was part of a huge storm system called the 1974 Super Outbreak.
He specifically told people that the Arrowhead neighborhood in Xenia was in the tornado's path. His warning was correct, as the tornado completely destroyed Arrowhead.
Wooly Worms and Winter Predictions
During the fall, Gil Whitney often talked about wooly worms. Some people believe these fuzzy caterpillars can predict how bad the coming winter will be. Because he talked about them so much, a fan club for kids was created. The wooly worm became its mascot!
Other Work and Community Involvement
Hosting TV Shows
In the summer, Gil Whitney hosted a weekly late-night talk show called Summertime '7x. The number in the title changed each year. This show featured local talent and other TV, movie, and radio stars. By 1980, the show was renamed The Gil Whitney Show. After he passed away, it was renamed Summer Nights and continued for five more years.
Community Hero
Gil Whitney was also very active in his community. He often appeared in local parades and hosted many public events. He even volunteered as a firefighter. Most notably, he was one of the people who helped start the famous Dayton Air Show.
Personal Life
Gil Whitney and his wife, Mary, had three children:
- Gil Whitney Jr. (born 1963), who is now a filmmaker living in Columbus, Ohio.
- John (born 1964), also a filmmaker in Columbus, Ohio.
- Jennifer (born 1967).
Gil Whitney passed away on November 4, 1982, at the age of 42. He died from a type of cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Awards and Recognition
- 2005: Inducted into the Dayton, Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
