John Edd Thompson Jr.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, John Edd was predeceased by his parents, John Edd Thompson Sr. and Bennie Dunn Thompson. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon; his children, Lisa England (Kirk Lamb) and John Edd Thompson III (Lana); his sister, Jeanne Schemensky; his brother, William Thompson; and four grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Bradford Thompson (Bekah), Caroline Kaplan Rosen (Matt), Tanner Kaplan, and Grace Thompson.

John Edd attended Barton Academy and Murphy High School before enrolling at the University of Alabama. He later earned a degree in meteorology from Mississippi State University.

His early career began behind the microphone, spinning records and performing outlandish stunts as a DJ in Moss Point, MS, and Baton Rouge—including famously riding a Ferris wheel for 23 hours. A DJ slot at WABB brought him back to Mobile, where he went by the on-air name Buddy Starr.

John Edd made the leap from radio to television when he became an announcer at WKRG. But it was in front of the weather map that he became a household name. He began his weather career at WALA-TV in 1977, later becoming Chief Meteorologist. John Edd guided Gulf Coast viewers through sunny skies and devastating storms alike with calm authority and a reassuring presence. His coverage during Hurricane Katrina—when he learned live on-air that his Dauphin Island home had been destroyed—was a moment of grace under pressure that defined his career. John Edd eagerly embraced every opportunity that came his way — he had the thrill of flying with the Blue Angels and joined the Hurricane Hunters on two missions.

He retired from WALA in 2009 after forty-five years in the broadcast industry. Over the years, he was frequently recognized by his peers and the public, winning multiple "Best Weather Anchor" accolades. In 2005, The Press Club of Mobile awarded John Edd its John Harris Achievement Award, an award presented to a member of the news media for consistently excellent contributions.

Outside of broadcasting, John Edd had a deep love for songwriting and continued to create music throughout his life. In the late 1960s, John Edd co-founded Product Sound Studio in Mobile, where Jimmy Buffett recorded some of his first songs. Among his proudest musical achievements was "Look at Them Jaguars," an anthem for the University of South Alabama.

The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mobile.

His legacy lives on in the skies he studied, the songs he wrote, and the lives he touched.