Community Remembers Billy Dilworth

A community remembers a northeast Georgia broadcasting legend.

Billy Dilworth passed away last week at the age of 80 and was laid to rest Sunday.

He hosted “The Billy Dilworth Show” for over 20 years on WLET Radio and WNEG-TV.

One of his long-time co-hosts was Michelle Austin.

She said she had a wonderful time working with him on the show.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Austin. “We had a lot of things that would happen during the show that were behind the scenes that were absolutely hilarious, but we had some wonderful guests on there. We just had a really good time. It was different. It was unique to say the least.”

Austin said she still runs into people who remember the show and talk about it and that is something that she and Dilworth appreciated.

She said he had a remarkable memory, especially when it came to remembering people and names.

“He could meet you and if he met your family, I never understood how he could remember,” said Austin. “He was like a walking encyclopedia of names. He knew not just you and maybe your spouse, but he would know your children’s names and your aunts and uncles and so on and so forth.”

Off camera, she said he was also very warm and very kind.

“You were very comfortable around Billy,” said Austin. “He was very friendly to people, always. He loved his country music. He liked what we call the older, traditional country music the most.”

Austin also praised Dilworth’s writing.

He worked in newspapers for a number of years as a journalist and also wrote a book.

Another of Dilworth’s long-time friends was Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley.

Shirley said he remembers listening to the Billy Dilworth Show when he was young and was later a guest on his TV show many times.

He said Dilworth always remained interested in what was going on in the area.

“Just knowing him and covering the news through the decades, he was always on the phone,” said Shirley. “I just have all the admiration and respect for Billy Dilworth. He was an icon in TV and radio and will truly be missed.”

Shirley went on to say that he will always remember Billy Dilworth.

“He touched a lot of people,” said Shirley. “It did not matter if you were the wealthiest person in the world, maybe a celebrity or just an ordinary person. You were on the same level as far as he was concerned. I will truly miss my friend, Billy Dilworth. He meant so much to me.”

Austin also said there will never be another Billy Dilworth.