Longtime WHOP listeners would easily recognize the voice of Charles Petty—who passed away Tuesday at the age of 85.
Petty is the founder of Kentucky American Seed, originally located on Means Avenue in Hopkinsville, in 1987, though his relationship with WHOP Radio and local agriculture began long before that. His appearances began on the Early Bird Show in 1975 on behalf of Agri-Chem.
Lovingly titled, “the former Mayor of Means Avenue”, Petty did a live segment with WHOP for nearly 50 years, where he discussed the weather, agriculture, and gave each piece a thought of the day. When he retired in 2023, Petty said he shaped each Thought of the Day with the idea that it might just help someone get through the day.
He said he would change nothing, saying he met so many people who shaped his life for the better, and he was always impressed by the passion found in local farmers.
Petty was married to Mary Allen Petty for 65 years before her passing in 2024.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Maddux-Fuqua-Hinton Funeral Home, who will announce them when they become available.