R.I.P.: Longtime KY Radio Broadcaster Paul McRee

Paul McRee

A career that started 40 years ago this month, ended yesterday, March 12, when well-known radio personality and SurfKY News reporter Paul McRee, age 59, passed away in his sleep.

McRee started his broadcast career in March 1975. He went on to work in radio as a morning show host, production director and special event talent at WBKR, WSTO, WVJS, Cromwell Radio Group, and WQXQ/Q102.

He had been employed by SurfKY News since 2012 as a staff writer/reporter. Having spent most of his 40-year career at various radio stations in the area, McRee lent his voice to thousands of commercials, announcements and his own brainchild – Airplay.

McRee became ill Monday. and rescheduled the Brown interview for the following Monday. Yet on Thursday afternoon, SurfKY News Director Rita Dukes Smith got a call from McRee's stepdaughter with the sad news.

“We were so impressed with Paul's natural ease in the studio,” said Smith. “He was quick thinking and charming during his interview with Travis. Video Director Gary Gates and I immediately knew that Paul had 'the right stuff' to do our local video series.”

Gates said McRee was like a man on fire during the filming and interview with Dukes.

“It was like a light came on,” said Gates. “Paul was in his niche. He was excited and happy.”