For almost four decades, Van McKinney was the voice of McDowell County.

During his time at radio station WBRM, McKinney filled many roles. He reported the news, played hit records and provided play-by-play commentary on McDowell Titan sports.

That voice was silenced on Sept. 22 as McKinney died at his home. He was 67.

McKinney began working at Marion's AM/FM station in 1984, where he was used as a fill-in personality and reported on local government affairs. In the spring of 1985, he moved into the full-time role of news director and settled in as the afternoon disc jockey.

He would spend the next 38 years at the station.

McKinney also created the former “High Noon All Request Show,” an hour-long show where listeners could request their favorite tracks. The noon request show quickly t

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