AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The CSRA is mourning the loss of a radio legend. Harley Drew, a beloved voice on Augusta’s airwaves, died Thursday at the age of 82.
For decades, Drew was a familiar name and voice to listeners across the region. His colleagues say his warmth and humor left a lasting impact both on and off the air.
Mary Liz Nolan, who co-hosted with Drew for more than 20 years, remembers him as not only a mentor but also one of her biggest supporters.
“He was so kind to me. He just always had my back,” Nolan said.
“I think he was one of my biggest cheerleaders the whole time. I’m very, very grateful for the two decades plus that I had the honor of working with Harley.”
Nolan says “Handsome Harley” was known for his warm voice and sense of humor. He often shared stories with children about his work in broadcasting and how his fascination with radio began at a young age.
Austin Rhodes, host at WGAC, says that childhood love for radio never faded.
“Harley was a big fan of radio as a child, and he used to stay up late at night and listen to distant stations on his AM radio,” Rhodes said.
“Matter of fact, he had to hide that radio from his own parents because they would literally come in the middle of the night and find him listening.”
Drew began his radio career as a teenager with WBRO in Waynesboro. Later in his career, he joined WBBQ. He then became National Program Director for the Arrow Communications Group, the owners of WZNY before becoming Beasley Broadcast Group’s operations director for WGAC, WGOR, and WRDW.
That lifelong dedication to the radio earned Drew numerous honors. He was the proud recipient of the Louis Harris Award, one of the highest honors in Augusta media. He was also recognized in 2009 for more than 50 years in broadcasting. In 2011, he was inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame.
Both Rhodes and Nolan say they plan to keep his legacy alive by continuing to do what he loved most: sharing their voices with the community.
