Tom Dooley
FRED MCNAUGHTON – Important news to pass along – Host of the Journey – Tom Dooley passed away last night (Nov 9) after a brief illness. Tom has been a part of the WJTL family for almost 25 years. Please be in prayer for Tom’s family. Tom was a nationally known radio host and speaker. When giving his testimony he was always quick to point out that he came to saving grace in Lancaster county.
Tom’s career spanned over 40 years in broadcasting. He worked in several major markets including Philly and was a boss jock at WFIL Radio. He was also known for his voice-over work including many national spots. Tom started broadcasting in Christian radio while at WFIL in 1978. The program was called “Omega Alpha” and evolved into “The Journey,” a daily Christian broadcasting originating from KVTT in Dallas and broadcast nationally, coast to coast.
Dooley was with other stations besides WFIL including WCBS-FM, New York; KHJ in Los Angeles and KVIL in Dallas. In Virginia Beach, he worked for CBN as their National Program Director where he pioneered the nation’s first Christian music radio network via satellite. He also served as the official voice of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association narrating many of Graham’s national specials and was the voice of several of Graham’s books on audio tape. Tom and his wife, Melanie, became born again Christians in 1977 and Tom became an ordained minister in 1996.
You can read more of Tom’s passing and his battle with brain cancer here.
Listen to our interview with Tom’s good friend Wes Yoder about Tom’s life.
I remember listening to him when I was in 8th grade and now 8 years later I still found he had many encouraging words and always presented the everyday struggles of being a christian in a very practical way. Something about his voice always made listening to his program a joyous experience
So sorry to hear about Tom’s passing this morning. Grew up listening to him on WFIL Radio in Philadelphia in addition to ‘JTL. It’s great to know he’s home!
When my 11 year old heard this her first response was “No more Joy in the Journey?” She frequently listened to it when she woke up during the night. She said it helped her get back to sleep and feel safe.
So sorry to here of Tom’s passing I just loved when i could listen to his show he will be missed. Thank you God for allowing us to enjoy him .
I just found out about Tom’s passing. Tom was such a blessing to me and my family. I know he is with Jesus but I will miss him.
Was so sorry to learn today that Tom is no longer with us. First listened to him during my college years in Abilene, very early in the morning–found his voice to be so soothing, comforting, and encouraging. Will miss him–praise God for Tom’s testimony of redemption and grace. Just loved him. So sad for me, but praise God for his legacy–
Just moved back to DFW area was looking for Tom on 94.9 i went to a weekend retreat with him and listened to him on my way to work many morning. He was such a gifted perso of God and now stands before him in His Throne room keep us in prayer Tom you now can Bless us from above all my love through Jesus Christ who enables me to give it Holy wholly Helen
I listened to Tom on the car radio when commuting daily through oppressive / high-stress traffic. His wisdom, credibility as a well-versed Christian in quoting the Bible, and ever-cheerful voice, had a strong / positive impact on many people. To this day, I miss being able to turn a radio channel to hear his programs. Tom Dooley was a true blessing. I’m thankful to his wife, Melanie, for continuing his ministry. This would have made Tom both proud and happy. May the Good Lord continue to help MasterMedia thrive.
Tom was an exceptional communicator. His choice of words to convey the Christian message was calming to uptight people, credible to people who wanted to learn credible information, and encouraging to those who were going through rough times. When listening to Tom, quite often I’d think: How did he gain such a high level of Christian knowledge, awareness, and judgement? I know that it was because he was blessed by God, and selected to serve as a Christian radio host. God Bless you, Tom Dooley, and I’m so happy to know that the Christian believers in your vast radio audiences will be able to hear you again — in a far better place! Melonie – thank you for continuing Tom’s work.