Jack Worley, of Florence, more affectionally known as “Captain Jack” as the host of the “Captain Jack Show” which aired on WOWL-TV from the late 50s to the late 60s, passed away at the age of 94.
A graveside service with military honors will be June 1, 2024 at 3:00 pm in Greenview Memorial Park.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Jackie Hyde (Bill); his son, Tony Worley (Doris); 1 granddaughter, Ashley Herring (Shawn); 2 grandsons, Cody Hyde (Jodi), and Jake Worley (Brittany); 5 great-granddaughters; 1 great-grandson; and 1 step-granddaughter.
Jack was born in Mobile, AL, the son of a railroad executive. He was raised in Atlanta and Chattanooga. He began his career at the old WAGC Studios atop the Patton Hotel in Chattanooga. Jack attended the management course at Havard University in Boston under the auspices of the National Association of Broadcasters.
He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and served with the US Navy. He was stationed in Keflavic, Iceland. Jack received a Presidential Commendation from President Dwight D. Eisenhower for establishing the first US Naval Radio Station in Iceland. He also served in Hawaii and Scotland.
From Chattanooga, Jack moved to Gadsden, AL WGAD Radio as a sales executive. From there, Jack moved to WOWL Radio in Florence where he managed the station from a #6 rating to #1 in the marketplace. He later bought a percentage of ownership in WOWL TV which he managed for several years before being named President and CEO.
In Jack’s capacity as a talent, he traveled extensively around the world interviewing various celebrities including: Keenan Wynn, Gary Cooper, Michael Landon, David Hasselhoff, Tony Randall, Richard Chamberlain, Don Johnson, Barbara Eden, Phyllis Diller, Rock Hudson, Charles Durning, and Vincent Gardenia. He also interviewed most of Alabama’s governors, state senators, and many other dignitaries. He had dinner with George W. Bush, VP, and Bob Hope. He got to shake hands with President John F. Kennedy. Jack even appeared on “Hee Haw” with Roy Clark and Buck Owens. He was named Alabama Broadcaster of the Year in 1988. Jack served as president of ABA from 1979-1980. He was president of Shoals Advertising Federation in 1975. In 1984, Jack received the “Silver Medal Award”, American Advertising Federation’s highest honor.
He will surely be missed by all. God speed “Captain Jack”.
