Local Broadcaster Billy Dilworth Passes Away

Long-time local radio and TV personality Billy Dilworth, 80, passed away Thursday night at Landmark Hospital in Athens after an extended illness.

Born  in the Red Hill Community of Franklin County, Dilworth was a graduate of Franklin County High School and later the University of Georgia.

For many years, people from across Northeast Georiga and the Upstate tuned in every week to his radio show and later his television show, “The Billy Dilworth Show.”

Dilworth was a strong believer in promoting local talent and community and many who appeared on his TV shows on WNEG TV and WLET Radio in Toccoa were local Country and Gospel singers and musicians.  However, he also played host to and interviewed many national figures, such as President Harry Truman and Elvis Presley. 

Prior to hosting his radio and TV shows, Dilworth was a newspaperman, working for the Anderson Independent and the Athens-Banner Herald.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Allen’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Johnny Ray and Rev. Wilmer Ivester officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from at 1:00 p.m. until the service hour. 

Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements: www.stricklandfh.com.