“Mr. Thunder Boomer” dies at age 76

The weather man whose heart was a BIG as his “booming voice” has passed away.  Our Three Sons meteorologist Jerry Peterson, known throughout the Carolinas as “Mr.Thunder Boomer” died at his home this evening at the age of 76.

Jerry was a pioneer in television weather casting with a career path few in the industry have ever had which took him to major markets that included Chicago’s WGN-TV and then to Charlotte at WSOC-TV where he ended that phase of his career…Jerry and his wife Melba moved from Tega Cay to Rock Hill and it was then that he joined WRHI and Interstate 107 as our staff meteorologist-a position he held for over 21 years.

Jerry became engrossed in the Rock Hill an York County community participating in the annual Come See Me Festival, and as a celebrity cook in Look Whose Cooking which raises money each year for our local March of Dimes.. He also was an Acting as “Master of Ceremonies” for the city’s Adopt a Highway and Downtown Live programs, was an honorary Ringmaster for the Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey Brothers circus which raised money for his beloved Shriners and their crippled children’s hospital. Jerry was also known for his involvement in the Alexa Good ALS Foundation that help area families dealing with expenses of loved ones suffering from Lou Gerrig’s disease.

Jerry Peterson – Broadcasting Pioneer from NTEKMEDIA on Vimeo.

Straight Talk Archive: Jerry Peterson 1/31/2008

Just last year Jerry was honored with the South Carolina Broadcaster’s Association Honorary Life Member Award was his many contributions to broadcasting.

Jerry Peterson was a great showman and entertainer, but always treated the weather as a science and refused to sensationalize his broadcasts for the benefit of ratings as is so common today.

Jerry’s popular Meteorology classes conducted at schools throughout our country made science fun for tens of thousands of students and inspired many to pursue careers in science.  He served as a great example and teacher for the young people who often get their start here at OTS and his influence and respect for our business will follow all of us through the rest of our careers.

Throughout the many moves and changes that are part of a TV personality’s career, Jerry has maintained a strong home life with his wife Melba who he had been married too for over 50 years. Their family includes three sons and six grandchildren.

Although Jerry has been battling cancer for the two years, he continued to work daily, missing very few days for treatment or operations.

Jerry Peterson, “Mr. Thunderboomer,” has passed away and will be missed by all, especially his extended family here at WRHI and Interstate 107.