Thomas "T. David" Luther

Thomas “T. David” Luther passed away peacefully September 1, 2024 at 83 years old, at Sovah Health, Danville, VA. He was born September 24, 1941 to the late Thomas William Luther and the late Nellie Ferguson Luther. With the exception of living a few years in Rehoboth Beach, DE, he was a lifelong resident of Danville. He is survived by his daughters, Bonnae Vega (Juan) of Rehoboth Beach, DE and Linda Luther (fiancé Rob Pendell) of Manchester, CT. Two amazing brothers, Bobby Luther and Kerry Luther (Judy) of Danville; Nephews/Niece Robert Luther (Billy Hester) and Chris Luther and Gretchen Campbell; four grandchildren - Rachel Schiffner (Andrew), John Vega, Michael Vega and Emily Powers. He is also survived by four great grandchildren - Aiden, Olivia, Eli and Luke. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Ellen Davis. Also surviving are his first wife Peggy Queen (now DuBose) and after his divorce he later married Chris Ormond (now Sommerville). T. David graduated from George Washington High School in 1960 He served in many leadership roles including President of his senior class. He will be remembered from GW as the DJ at the sock hops after football games in the cafeteria. He spent a couple of years studying Electrical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He began his sixty plus year radio career at the age of 13 in Danville Virginia. He worked as an announcer, advertising sales representative, manager, and CEO. After a brief stop in Decatur Illinois, he returned to his hometown where he became President/CEO of Piedmont Broadcasting, which included stations WBTM and WAKG. He retired from day-to-day operations in 1998 but continued to play an active role as stockholder. For over half a century he was an inspiration to radio stations by making their communities a better place to live, work and play. He always loved hanging out with the radio “bandits” from WBTM after retirement. They were his closest and dearest friends and his family will continue to cherish Alex, Mike, Robin and Mylene for years to come. As a community leader he served terms as a Danville City Council member and Vice Mayor. In addition, he served and supported state and national broadcast organizations including the Virginia Association of Broadcasters and served two terms on the National Association of Broadcasters Board. As a founding member, he spent decades with the International Broadcasters Idea Bank with his final position of Executive Director. He cherished every moment of his time having made lifelong friends with the IdeaBank where he was able to network, meet and exchange ideas to increase effectiveness of over 500 radio stations across the world. Due to his failing health he reluctantly retired from the IdeaBank in December 2020. If his body and mind would have let him, he would have worked until the day he died. Along with other accolades he was honored by receiving the distinguished CT Lucy Award by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club. The family will greet friends and loved ones from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, September 20th at Wrenn Yeatts Funeral Home, 5858 Riverside Drive, Danville, VA. At his request the family will privately spread his ashes under a tree, at the gravesite of his parents in Green Hill Cemetery.

Thomas "T. David" Luther

September 24, 1941 - September 1, 2024