Lowell Franklyn Nunnally

The world lost another beloved celebrity May 27th, 2017.  Lowell Franklyn Nunnally, more famously known as “DJ Dave Donahue”, passed away at his home in Waldport, Oregon.  Lowell was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Bardy Patrick Nunnally and Nina Mae Ledbetter October 13th, 1940.  During his early years, Lowell was a barefooted swamp boy, running around the bayous all by himself.  Eventually it came time for him to go to school, which wasn’t easy for someone who had been used to entertaining himself all day.  But when he heard a radio, he knew just what he was going to do in life.  Someday he was going to be a radio announcer!  He began by performing in his sound studio (his bedroom closet).  Of course, he still had to attend school, and was enrolled in the Alan Military Academy in Bryan Texas.  He later joined the Airforce during the cold war, but was forced to take an early discharge, due to family hardship.  But this enabled Lowell to continue his dream of being a disc jockey. He completed Radio Engineering College in Burbank California.  Lowell started at the beginning of the Rock and roll era.  He participated in the “Louisiana Hayride”, where he met stars like Elvis Presley.  Lowell introduced listeners to The Beach Boys, Janis Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix.  But his true calling was country music radio, which took him to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for radio station WSM in Nashville, Tennessee.  He got to know many country legends, including Merle Haggard, Minnie Pearl, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash.  Through the years Lowell sought to improve his profession and began participating in all aspects of the business.  From Broadcast personality to National Group Program Director for several radio stations.  He regularly participated in Country Music Radio Seminars, mentored other radio professionals, and achieved high ratings for stations he Directed.  Lowell’s commitment to quality radio, and his willingness to teach others in the business, garnered him numerous recognition awards and the respect his peers.  In over 60 years of radio, “Dave” made countless lifelong friends, among colleagues and entertainers alike.   In the year of 2000, Lowell was inducted into the Country Music Radio Hall of Fame under his DJ name, Dave Donahue.  He was honored among inductees Loretta Lynn and Johnny Western.  It was one of his proudest moments, he shared with his family and friends.   Especially his father, who always advised Lowell to “Do what makes you Happy”.  Lowell took this motto to heart and lived life to the fullest.  He was a Dive Master, sea boat Captain, pilot, photographer, and a recently published author of the book “DJ Diaries: Radio’s Remarkable Listeners”.  He was an excellent storyteller.  But above all else Lowell was a loving son, father, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. 

 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dad's professional name "DJ Dave Donahue", to the Broadcasters Foundation of America.  This charity supports broadcasters from radio and television who have fallen on hard times. Click on Our Mission and you can watch a short video about how they help.  Then click on donate, and by scrolling down the donation page, you can donate in Dad's memory.  
Here is their link:
https://broadcastersfoundation.org/

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