Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy passes away, family confirms. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Remembering Radio - Coach Harold Jones and others remember the longtime figure from the football FOX Carolina News 135K subscribers Subscribe 42K views 3 years ago Remembering the life of James. By 1999, Jones was set to retire and Radio was still running strong with the team. Andeven facing health problems, Kennedy led the Hanna football team onto the field at least twice this season byriding in a golf cart. The local icon died early Sunday morning at the age of 73. A funeral for him will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center of Anderson. Kennedy was a fixture at TL. In the last few months of her life, it was her family who had taken care of her as she battled brain cancer. Here's a look at what Gooding, Harris and the rest of the cast is up to now. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The Anderson community is reflecting on James "Radio" Kennedy's impact just hours after his death. Hanna," said Jones. He and Jones used to ring Salvation Army bells for Christmas, and Kennedy raised money regularly outside of Sam's Club. Services will be held at T.L. >> HES TAUGHT US JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE MAY BE DIFFERENT THAT THEY STILL HAVE GIFTS FOR BRAD HAMMOND RADIO WAS MORE THAN A BEST FRIEND HE WAS AN INSPIRATION. He could barely speak and never learned how to read or write, according to WSPA. And the story is simple: love and compassion can change lives. This was the only day he didn't ride the bus to and from school, Coach Harold Jones remainedactive in Radios life. He taught us all. 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "In my travels, both across the country and even sometimes when I get a chance to travel internationally, I meet people who are not from this country," said Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts. He is well respected in the community for his professional opinion and expertise in sports. His message of acceptancehas reached around the world, said Harold Jones, who was the football coach at T.L. Hanna Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. Even though she was working, she took care of those two.". Upon meeting Radio on the streets another day, Coach Jones asks Radio to visit and help at training. She said he passed away early Sunday morning.Radio has been associated with the T.L. >> RADIO WAS T.L. 'He always will be T.L. Hanna': Coach Jones remembers James - WYFF A group of players retaliate the following day by tying Radio's hands and feet, locking him in the gear shed, and throwing footballs at the door to scare him. "Pat actually became just like their mother. Hanna High School football team after befriending head coach Harold Jones. Kelly Clarkson's Home Collection Is Up to 74% Off During Way Day Deals, The Best Wayfair Way Day Deals 2023 Starting at $30. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. He has continued to work consistently over the last 17 years, with his last film being Bayou Caviar, which was released in 2018. It launched him and the city of Anderson into the spotlight. All rights reserved. ", "And if they hadn't," Jones said, "he'd say, 'You should go to Walmart and get it.'". Coach Harold Jones is a retired South Carolina high school football coach best known for embracing a developmentally challenged African American boy named James Robert "Radio" Kennedy back in 1964. [1] The article and the movie are based on the true story of T. L. Hanna High School football coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris) and a young man with an intellectual disability, James Robert "Radio" Kennedy (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy has passed away, according to his niece and caregiver Jackie Kennedy. 1 preventable killer, No evidence of spree killer yet, police say, Shea Marsden is a man who doesn't take excuses, Health Matters: Numbness can be a symptom of several health problems, Busy election year will test aging S.C. voting machines. Chris Kennedy said it was his mother whom he could talk to when he'd had a bad day. He was then considered a permanent high school student, which meant he would never graduate or have to leave. Radio was inducted into the T.L. Hanna High School football games for more than 50 years. In 2006, a statue of Kennedy was unveiled at the high school, and he was inducted into the T.L. CHEERLEADER A GREATEST I TELL YOU WHAT HE LOVED. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WYFF-TV. "Radio touched so many people," Jones said. Woman who raised Radio Kennedy dies Radio's increased attention from Jones is faced with resistance from the football team's parents, who see Radio as a distraction from their own sons' successes. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. ", Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. Oncequiet and overlooked, he became one of Anderson's most famous residents. He became a fixture at football practices, standing passively and watching, until one day when he began to mimic the coaches' signals and tried his hand at yelling out commands.". "Radio, the way I see it, is T.L. Contact an All American Speakers Bureau booking agent. What are some examples of how providers can receive incentives? VIDEO: Radio inducted into the 2016 TL Hanna High Athletic Hall of Fame, James Robert "Radio" inducted into the 2016 TL Hanna High Athletic Hall of Fame, Was always a junior (the highest grade he can be without having to graduate), Got the nickname "Radio" because he was always seen carrying a transistor radio, Lived with hisniece Jackie andhis younger brother "Cool Rock," George Allan Kennedy, Loved to go to Friday night home football games and home basketball games, Bowled on Tuesdays with the Rainbow Gang. Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy passes away, family confirms, WYFF NEWS 4. The 2003 movie was based on astory that originated in the Independent Mail in 1993, and it was expanded for a Sports Illustrated story three years later. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Harold Jones of Dowagiac, Michigan, who passed away at the age of 85, on May 11, 2022. In Real Life: Radio lived with his mother and, says Jones, a stepfather who was also caring. Harold Jones Obituary (1937 - 2022) | Dowagiac, Michigan - Echovita Jones said he and others have picked up a marker for Radio's grave that costs $4,700. "You tell them you're from Anderson, South Carolina, this little lightbulb pops up, and they say: 'That's where Radio's from, right? HE INSPIRED MY HEART. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Many speakers, including former football coach Harold Jones whose relationship with Kennedy is central to the movie "Radio," eulogized the joyous life of Kennedy. Great Jones Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying? He was described by former Independent Mail journalist Jon Solomon as "in his element when spreading joy." "She would always say she loved us kids so much that she'd love to buy a big house so we could all move back in. Hanna, and he always will be T.L. But when he would come in, hed say Why are you tired? Radio died in December at the age of 73. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. One of the football players who had previously tormented him tricks Radio into entering the girls' locker room. He'd been a fixture on the sidelines of T.L. Do you know Radio?' HE TAUGHT US ALL I MEAN WE DIDNT TEACH HIM ONE THING AND YOU KNOW RADIO HES JUST AND YOU BILL I TELL YOU WE HAD THAT WEBSITE, YOU KNOW, AND WE GOT TWO EMAILS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Hanna coach Harold Jones. Harold George Belafonte Jr. was born March 1, 1927 in New York city to poor Caribbean immigrants. He died in December 2019 at the age of 73. He got his nickname "Radio" because he always carried a transistor radio, said Carolyn Dawkins. Kennedy was born in Anderson and was one of 12 children. OUR ALLEN DEVLIN IS LIVE AT T.L. He'd been a fixture on the sidelines of T.L. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Jones takes it upon himself to assist in Radio's care, and gives him his nickname due to his penchant for listening to the radio. Jones, Howard played football in Middletown, Ohio; at Phillips Exeter Academy (1903-04) in Exeter, N.H.; and at Yale University (1905 . He has a family consisting of a wife and teenage daughter. "In my travels, both across the country and even sometimes when I get a chance to travel internationally, I meet people who are not from this country," said Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts. 1 Is coach Harold Jones from Radio still alive? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Hanna football coach Harold Jones befriended Radio. At a Christmas mass, Radio receives several gifts from the townspeople, and Mary Helen confides to her father that while she does not blame him for neglecting her, she cannot understand the reason for his interest in Radio. "Grandma asked Mama if she would take care of Radio and Cool Rock and again, Mama did not hesitate," Jacqueline said. The following day, Radio distributes the gifts around town. Former T.L. Amid diabetes, kidney failure and pancreatitis, he still signed dozens of autographs from his hospital room. He's from Anderson, South Carolina, and was able to associate himself with T.L. "The stories could fill the pages of a lengthy book, each showing the child-like innocence and loving heart that existed within him," Hilton's statement continued. Tom Jones, age 72 of Murfreesboro, Arkansas passed away on December 2, 2020 in Hot Springs. And Kennedy's charity work is continuing. "He was just a fine man. The movie "Radio," starring Cuba Gooding Jr. in the title role, told the story of how Kennedy was eventually accepted and ultimately celebrated. The film takes somedramatic licenseand compresses decades of time into a single football season, but it's regarded as truthfully telling the story of friendship and a town's acceptanceof a man with intellectual disabilities and a warm smile. Radio's mother suddenly dies of a heart attack, and Radio finds himself living alone until his absent older brother Walter finally returns to care for him. His successors have taken good care of Radio and considered him an integral part of the team. Hanna Highfrom 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. The film ends with clips being shown of the real-life Radio and Coach Jones leading the football team. Hanna football program for decades after showing up on the field as a teenager in the mid-1960s. Hanna High School officials said. We will miss him incredibly.". Perhaps nobody showed a closer bond with Radio than Jones. NIGEL: THE T.L. I believe it really helped. "That helped at a lot of schools. Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy has passed away, according to his niece and caregiver Jackie Kennedy.Kennedy said Radio, 73, was taken to Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson County on Saturday afternoon. Hanna': Coach Jones remembers James 'Radio' Kennedy. (Photo: Paul Archuleta / Stringer, Getty) Drew is another star known more for his TV roles, appearing in Everwood and was the voice of Stacy Rowe in the animated series Daria. T.L. Hanna High School legend James "Radio" Kennedy passes away - WYFF It's been nearly a year since T.L. That setup the rest of Kennedy's life, and it shows just how effective Kennedy was in changing hearts and minds, Jones said. "He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. Jones reflected recently with. The local icon died early Sunday morning at the age of 73. Kennedy didn't talk muchunless you got him going about local sports, but his smile was infectious and he was always a kind man, Dawkins said. NOW THAT HE IS GONE, BRE IS -- BRA IS LOOKING TO HELP OTHERS THE WAY RADIO HELPED HIM >> I CANT GET BACK FROM THE PAST BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE BECAUSE RADIO GOT EYES ON ME IN HEAVEN. He has been associated with the T.L . Moriah Baptist Church in Starr. He spent his final hours in hospice Saturday. Related Tags: Information on keynote speaking engagements, personal appearances, corporate entertainment and appearance fees for Coach Harold Jones, an inspirational motivational speaker. HE IS VERY PROUD. Hanna football field for more than 50 years, and his life inspired the 2003 film "Radio.". Harold Jones noticed that he would sort of mimick the coaches and players on the sidelines. Jones reflected recently with the Independent Mail on what kind of legacy Kennedy has left. Coach Harold Jones is a retired South Carolina high school football coach best known for embracing a developmentally challenged African American boy named James Robert "Radio" Kennedy back in 1964. Some remember the time he ate a cooler full of sandwiches that hadbeen tucked awayon a bus for the football team. He said Radio was treated for pancreatitis, along with ongoing diabetes and kidney issues.Radio was inducted into the T.L. Jones and Radio were friends for over 50 years until Radio passed away at 73 on 15 December 2019. She won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on TV and was recently on the Netflix series Luke Cage. all described her as a "strong Christian woman. He was a coach and worked as a title abstractor and insurance salesman. The two spent much of their time together for half a century. It was filmed primarily in Walterboro, South Carolina because its buildings and downtown core still fit the look of the era the film was trying to depict.Radio (2003 film). Mary "Pat" Kennedy became part of the story published by Sports Illustrated in. HE LOVED IT OUT DEW THAT COACHING COACH HAROLD JONES TOOK HIM UNDER HIS WING ONE OF THE CLOSEST TO RADIO WITNESSING FIRSTHAND HIS IMPACT. IF YOUD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE YOU CAN MAIL A CHECK TO RADIO CARE OF COMMERCIAL BANK PO BOX 1. "We all loved him. In a meeting with the townspeople, Jones speaks of Radio being a blessing for the community by showing how people should treat one another, and announces his resignation as head coach so that he may spend more time with his family. Just days before Christmas 2016, when he heard that the Salvation Army was struggling to raise money during its holiday kettle campaign, he and Jones stood together in the bitter coldfor hours outside Sam's Club on Liberty Highway. He became very popular with the students and became an unofficial 11th-grade student at the school in 1965. The entryway at T.L. The school felt the same about him, saidKyle Newton, a spokesman for Anderson School District 5. Blue Jays Pitcher Rips United Airlines for Making Pregnant Wife Clean up After Their Kids, Sparking Debate, Serena Williams Pregnant With Baby No. It has changed his, and, in return, he has changed ours. >> EVERYTHING ABOUT RADIO EMBODIED WHAT WE WANT HERE AT TL HANNA HIGH SCHOOL. >> OVER 50 YEARS AS T.L HANNAS BIGGEST CHEERLEADER A STAPLE ON THE SIDELINES BUT HIS PRESENCE IN THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY JUST AS IMPACTFUL. Hanna legend Radio died, and his grave still does not have a marker. Jacqueline said she misses hearing her mother laugh as they told stories of their childhood. Is coach Harold Jones from Radio still alive? Kennedy loved sports and rooted for many teams. He was 88. What happened to radio after his mom died? Jones bought Radio a hamburger and a coke and the two really hit off. Radio is a film released in 2003 that tells the story of a man named James 'Radio' Kennedy, who [], By Brian Jones Hanna High School in Anderson, most of the movies scenes were actually shot at Hampton Street Elementary School in Walterboro, which had also been used in filming Forrest Gump. Gooding was already an established actor in Hollywood, winning an Academy Award for his performance in Jerry Maguire in 1996. Contact an All American Speakers Bureau booking agent for more information on Coach Harold Jones speaking fees, availability, speech topics and cost to hire for your next live or virtual event. HE INSPIRED MY LIFE. AND HIS GRAVE STILL DOESNT HAVE A MARKER COACH HAROLD JONES AND THE TL HANNA FAMILY WANT TO FIX THAT AND THEYVE SELECTED A GRAVE MARKER. "Family was so important to her," said another daughter, Jacqueline Kennedy. Hanna coach Harold Jones. It showed just a small bit of Kennedy's personality, saidJosh Allen, Kennedy's great-nephew. In 1964, former T.L. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. [5] Cuba Gooding Jr. earned a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Actor for his performance in the film but also an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture. We will miss him incredibly," football coach Harold Jones told TMZ. HANNA AS THEY REMEMBER HIS IMPACT ON CAMPUS. Others talk about his ability to name the mascot of virtually every team in South Carolina. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Former T.L. Hanna coach raises money to buy a grave marker for Radio - WYFF Jones takes it upon himself to assist in Radio's care, and gives him his nickname due to his penchant for listening to the radio. T.L. Sarah Drew - Mary Helen Jones. Box 127Honea Path, SC 29654The story of Radio's friendship with Jones was the subject of the film "Radio" in 2003. Most fans know her as Dr. April Kepner on Grey's Anatomy, and she was on the show from 2009-2018. LIFE IN ANDE, T.L. We didn't teach him a thing. Kelly Clarkson's Home Collection Is Up to 74% Off During Way Day Deals, The Best Wayfair Way Day Deals 2023 Starting at $30. Radio/Awards. He made no attempts to change himself or others, simply accepting everyone including himself for who they are, Burdette said. The death of a true legend Coviello, long-time grid coach and "Generations of Hanna students and faculty had an opportunity to know Radio," Hilton wrote. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. "Radio" movie death: James Robert Kennedy, T.L. Hanna football fan at And I say, 'yes. HANNA HI SCHOOL. Mary Ann Kennedy, or Pat as most knew her, was a caretaker all her life. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Radio (2003 film) - Wikipedia "She would talk about making it to heaven to see God.". What did coach Jones do to comfort Radio? 'Radio' Cast: Where Are They Now? - Sports If you would like to contribute, you can mail a check to:RadioC/O Commercial BankP.O. There might be no better description of the man with the big, always-ready smile. Then as Kennedy grew up and married, she went on to raise her four children and she cared for her mother-in-law and two of her brother-in-laws, James Robert "Radio" Kennedy and George Allen "Cool Rock" Kennedy. Aside from inspiring a Hollywood film, Kennedy also inspired those who knew him. "It's sad. RADIO TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE. Coach Jones returns Radio to his home, where he meets Radios mother. Radio often pauses to observe the local high school football team in their training sessions, led by Coach Harold Jones. He soon encounters a suspicious police officer, and his impaired ability to communicate leads to his arrest on the charge of possessing stolen property. She worked in the Belk department store annex in the early 1970s, when Kennedy would come by several times a week to talk high school sports with the store manager, Glenn New, who had kids in school. "The other 80%that people who never met him didn't see, they'd have loved that, too," Allen said. Former T.L. At 69 years old, Harris shows no signs of slowing down, starting in Top Gun: Maverick, which will be released later this year. He had a disability, and would hold a transistor radio to his ear hence the nickname. Hanna High Principal Sheila Hilton wrote a few years ago, At that time, he was a teenager, with a transistor radio seemingly attached to his ear, who could barely speak and had never learned to read or write. He was still having fun.". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. His nickname, Radio, was given to him by townspeople because Kennedy grew up fascinated by radios and because of the radio he carried everywhere he went. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. He saw firsthand Radio's positivity and impact. That same evening, Jones reveals to Mary Helen that his attachment to Radio and need to assist him stems from a childhood incident in which Jones, as a child making a living off delivering newspapers, did not help a mentally disabled boy his own age crying behind barbed wire. 2, Debuts Baby Bump at Met Gala, Vanessa Bryant Celebrates Late Daughter Gianna's 17th Birthday, Premier League: Case Dropped Against Player Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges, WWE's Carmella and Corey Graves Announce Pregnancy on 'GMA', 'Big George Foreman' Star Sonja Sohn on Playing 'Critical' Role in Boxing Film (Exclusive), Wrestler Suffers Broken Collarbone, Will Be Out of Action for Months, Watch: Tito Ortiz Passes out During Fighter Pilot Training. Upon the end of the football season, Jones involves Radio with several activities within the high school, and winds up neglecting his daughter Mary Helen, who is a member of the high school's cheerleading squad. "How someone like Radio at that time he was challenged, and he touched a lot of people's lives. Kennedy began carrying a transistor radio to listen to sports and it became his nickname. Radio now lives with Walter and Pat, Walters wife. The soundtrack to Radio was released on October 21, 2003. The 18-year-old James Robert Kennedy, nicknamed Radio because of his obsession with radios, had a developmental handicap and wasn't able to read or write. Following the holidays, Radio begins taking classes in the high school to complete his formal education. The2003 film "Radio," starring Cuba Gooding Jr. in the title role, focuses on Kennedy's relationship withJones, portrayed by Ed Harris. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The film co-stars Debra Winger and Alfre Woodard. "Hilton added: "It was destiny that he arrived on that football field some fifty years ago. 4 What did coach Jones do to comfort Radio? We all loved him. Along with his brother T.A.D. Todays juniors and seniors are the last class who went a full year with Kennedy. A graduate of Columbia University, where he was a standout football player, Coviello was widely recognized as the finest high school football .
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