David G. "Dave" Hendricks Passes Away
Thursday, February 19, 2009
BOYERTOWN, PA(Press Release) - David G. "Dave" Hendricks, a beloved Pennsylvania radio station owner and broadcaster, went to be with the Lord January 12. He was 84.
Since founding WBYO-FM radio in Boyertown, Pa., in 1959 until he sold the station in 1989, Hendricks' broadcasts covered a huge area, quickly becoming the most powerful source of Southern Gospel music between central Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In recent years, Hendricks continued to host a weekly two-hour Southern Gospel music program on a successor station, WBYN-AM in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. The 2-4 p.m. Sunday afternoon time slot will now be filled by Paul Heil's The Gospel Greats program. "Dave was a good friend and a one-of-a-kind gentleman," Heil said. "We got to know him and his heart well over the years and are honored to help carry on his tradition with our program. Southern Gospel music lovers in Eastern Pennsylvania have lost a dear and effective friend with Dave's passing."
Hendricks, who also wrote several songs, is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nedra. Funeral services were held January 17, in Macungie, Pennsylvania.