Trailblazing TV weatherman Gary England dead aged 85 as dozens pay tribute
A trailblazing television meteorologist who was once hailed as 'the weather God of Oklahoma City' has died at the age of 85.
Gary England was the resident chief meteorologist at local CBS affiliate, KWTV, where he kept Oklahomans informed on the weather for 41 years before he retired in 2013.
England's family confirmed he died on June 10 to his former home station, and the news was announced on air by KWTV co-anchor Amanda Taylor.
His colleagues and longtime viewers have already begun paying tribute to the famous weatherman.
KWTV Washington Bureau Chief Alex Cameron remembered England during Wednesday's telecast, telling viewers that his peer was a 'legend' in Oklahoma City.
'I really realized that he's a very down-to-earth guy. He likes to have fun. He likes to kid. But as anyone who watched him also knew, he was extremely serious when it came to severe weather. I mean, deadly serious,' Cameron said of his friend.
Cameron praised England for his coverage of a tornado in May 1999 in Oklahoma that devastated the state.
'I will never forget his words. I think this is a direct quote, but he said several times that day, "If you don't get underground, you're going to die,'" Cameron said.
'After seeing that, I realized that what Gary had said was not hyperbolic at all. It was spot on. And there's no doubt in my mind, he saved a lot of lives that day,' he continued.
Fellow meteorologist Shelby Hays shared photos with England on her Facebook account and wrote, 'Gary England wasn't just a legend in meteorology; he was my dear friend & mentor.
'He was the voice I grew up hearing through stormy Oklahoma nights, and the reason I chased a career in weather.'
Aaron Brackett, another meteorologist in Oklahoma, shared screenshots of encouraging messages from England on social media, and remembered his friend, 'I know the impact he had on Oklahoma.
'Early in my time with KFOR I was storm chasing in Seiling, his hometown, and noticed a road was named in his honor, and it really struck me.'
Current KMTV meteorologist David Payne also paid tribute, writing on Facebook, 'There will only ever be one Gary England - an Oklahoman through and through.
'He was one of a kind and the impact he had on our state, meteorology and severe weather prediction and tracking will be felt for years and years to come.'
Others who grew up watching England on television paid tribute on X, with one tweet reading, 'The greatest meteorologist of our generation. RIP Gary England!'
'Gary England should go on the Mt. Rushmore of Oklahomans. There's a reason so many of us know about the weather and aren't afraid of it, and it's because most of us grew up with him on our TV's,' another wrote.
England was a household name in Oklahoma, growing up in Seiling, a small town about two hours north of Oklahoma City.
He joined the Navy after high school and met his wife, Mary Carlisle, in college after his service.
England joined an Oklahoma radio station in 1971 before becoming KWTV's chief meteorologist in 1972.
He became the first person in history to use the Doppler weather radar in 1981, which is now a widely used technology by meteorologists.
England even made a cameo in the hit 1996 film, Twister, and wrote several books, including his autobiography, Weathering the Storm.
The beloved weatherman is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Molly, and granddaughters, Cassidy and Chloe
His family said in a statement to KWTV, 'We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Gary England passed this evening.
'Gary passed peacefully on the evening of June 10th, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his loving daughter, Molly.
'Gary was proud to have protected Oklahoma from its deadliest storms. He will be deeply and forever missed.'
England is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Molly, and granddaughters, Cassidy and Chloe.
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