Former WBYS-AM Canton, IL owner and operator Charles E. Wright Jr. died Friday (1/13) at the Heartland Health Care Center in Canton. He had owned the radio station for 46 years, selling and retiring in 1999.
A native of Memphis, TN, Wright became a broadcaster after serving in the Navy in World War II. He served on broadcasting associations at both the state and national level and received numerous awards. Wright also served on various community boards in the Canton area, including 30 years on the Canton Park District Board.
Even after retiring from radio he wrote a column for the Canton Daily Ledger newspaper.
Funeral services were Tuesday (1/17) in Canton, followed by burial with military honors. Memorials may be made to the Canton Park District Foundation Veterans Memorial Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.
