Monday, June 22, 2015

R.I.P.: OK Radio, TV Sportscaster Bob Barry Jr.

Oklahoma has lost a broadcasting giant.

KFOR-TV4 Sports Director Bob Barry Jr. died on Saturday afternoon on the way to the hospital following a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City.

He was 58, according News9.

According to KFOR, the Norman native graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1980 and joined NewsChannel 4 in 1982 as a weekend sports anchor. Prior to that, Bob worked in Wichita Falls, Texas and at KAUT-TV in Oklahoma City.

The man affectionately known as “Junior” also hosted a popular sports talk radio show on WWLS 98.1 FM “The Sports Animal” on weekday mornings.

Bob was a six-time “Oklahoma Sportscaster of the Year” who was passionate about helping others. His charity, "The Foul Shots," has helped raise more than $1 million for various charities across the state of Oklahoma. Barry was beloved by many he worked with and covered, and some prominent figures took the time to share their thoughts.

Bob Barry Jr. began his career in radio while attending Norman High School in 1973. Barry assumed the duties as the station's sports director, a position that was long held by his father Bob Barry, Sr., in 1998. Barry, Jr. and Barry, Sr. worked together at KFOR-TV, until his father's retirement from the station in 2008.

Bob is survived by his wife Gina and four children.

Oklahoma City Police have arrested 26-year-old Gustavo Castillo Gutierrez, who was being held at the Oklahoma County Jail. He faces charges including manslaughter, driving without a valid license and drug possession.

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