The Meteorologist Who Made Weather Personal: Gary England Dies at 85
Gary England, the legendary Oklahoma meteorologist who brought calm in the eye of the storm for over four decades, has died at age 85. Revered for his pioneering approach to severe weather forecasting, England wasn't just a weatherman—he was a lifeline for a state defined by its tornadoes.
Born in Seiling, Oklahoma, England developed a fascination with storms as a teen. They terrified him, but they also drew him in, according to The Oklahoman. After serving in the Navy and earning a degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma, England began his career in broadcasting in 1971 at KTOK radio. A year later, he joined KWTV, where he'd remain a fixture for 41 years.
England helped revolutionize the way weather was reported. In 1981, a true pioneer, he became the first meteorologist in the world to use commercial Doppler radar to issue warnings to the public. His innovations, like storm arrival times, corner-screen maps, and mobile video transmission, are now industry standards.
More than the technology, it was his steady voice and plainspoken delivery that endeared him to Oklahomans. He made complex weather science accessible, often peppering forecasts with colloquialisms and familiar turns of phrase. 'It's Friday night in the big town,' he'd say—words that became both comfort and signature.
England's legacy is woven into the fabric of Oklahoma's identity. He earned national accolades, including the Edward R. Murrow Award, multiple Emmys, and an honorary doctorate from OU. He also made a cameo in Twister and served as the keynote speaker for the opening of the National Weather Center in Norman.
Through it all, England's goal remained unchanged: keep people safe. Whether it was a flash flood or an EF5 tornado, Oklahomans trusted him to guide them through it.
He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Molly, and grandchildren Chloe and Cassidy, but his legacy lives on in every storm tracked and every warning he helped inspire.The Meteorologist Who Made Weather Personal: Gary England Dies at 85 first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
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