WNCO's DJ Gene Davis Remembered

We are saddened to announce that we have lost a member of our radio family. "Gentleman" Gene Davis has passed away. Gene joined the WNCO staff in 1987 after a lengthy career at a variety of stations in Virginia. His first radio job was in 1972 at a rock station WKLX in Portsmouth, Va. Then came a three year stint at Country WWOC in Portsmouth, VA. His career path landed him at WPVA and WTID in Petersburg, VA. Gene even spent time in 1978 as an announcer for a jazz station WTJZ in Newport News, VA., ...then WSLC in Roanoke, VA. After a couple of years in an auto parts store Gene returned to radio rocking WQZQ where he remembered fondly debuting Queen's new release "Another One Bites The Dust". Gene recalled that the phones rang off the hook with fans wanting to hear it again and again. Gene 30 plus years with WNCO saw Gene host the evening show, as well as day shifts. Gene spent a number of years as the host of the WNCO Oldies show. Gene was an outstanding news writer, and board operator for WNCO-AM sports. Gene named Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn as his favorite country stars, and remembers Ella Fitzgerald as the nicest celebrity he ever encountered. In his early years at WNCO Gene was not shy about participating in radio station stunts such as trying to catch a greased pig at the Knox County Fair, or going toe-to-toe with a female wrestler at the Ashland County Fair. He was also considered the foremost authority on all types of music on the WNCO staff. Gene is survived by his wife Kandy, children Sandra, Geoff, Angie, Sheryl and Rob, and several grandchildren. Gene was 72 years old.