He’s Dex, and he’s done!

Dex as a young cowpoke

Congratulations to one of Chattanooga radio’s few remaining “characters,” Dex of US-101.  He retires today after a quarter-century on the city’s top-rated radio station.

I’ve known Dex since the 70s, when we worked together at WFLI.  We didn’t know it at the time, but it was the waning days of Jet-FLI’s AM radio dominance.  FM radio was slowly emerging.  Within a few years, Dex, or Dexter as we knew him then, got into the record promotion business, and I switched over to the FM side of the dial.  But for a brief period of time, we enjoyed the last remnants of WFLI’s glory days.

Dex (right) the record promoter in 1977

After spending a decade or so in the record biz, Dex got tired of living out of a suitcase and missing his kids’ ballgames and birthdays.  He returned to Chattanooga working in various jobs, including a stint at the Choo Choo, managing the restaurant.  (He was a major player in one of my favorite stories, involving President Jimmy Carter.)

In the early 90s, that radio bug bit him again (believe me, it’s a hard habit to break), and he joined some old pals like Jim Copeland and David Earl Hughes at US-101.  He was just glad to get his foot in the door, so he was setting up remote broadcasts and doing all sorts of odd jobs.  “Big ol hairy” David Earl was king of afternoon drive radio, and asked Dex to pitch in with traffic reports.

Dex and David Earl

What happened next was radio magic.  The two had instant chemistry.  Each made the other laugh, and it wasn’t fake radio laughter, it was really funny, spontaneous stuff.  Nothing scripted, never rehearsed.  Just two guys who enjoyed each other’s company, and who knew their audience.

David Earl eventually was lured to Nashville for a job at WSM-FM, and Dex almost went along, but didn’t want to uproot his family, or spent a lot of time on I-24.  Sadly, David Earl passed away shortly afterward, and Dex delivered a memorable, heartfelt eulogy at his funeral.

Dex and Mo

For the past several years, Dex and his beloved partner “Mo” (Melissa Turner Wagner) have kept the show at the top of the ratings, winning a roomful of national radio awards in the process.

Dex has gone through some difficult times personally, losing his wife Sheila suddenly in 2012, just before Christmas.  His friend and fellow US-101 personality Ben “Bearman” Martin died in 2014, and Dex married Bearman’s widow Rosa last year, giving both a huge boost.  A few months later, Dex suffered from an illness that affected his mobility, keeping him off the air for a few months.  He has made a terrific recovery, but has decided that it’s time to take it easy, kick back and enjoy life, especially his grandchildren.

Dex and Rosa

Dex never let his radio stardom go to his head.  He’s just as comfortable talking to his old Rossville High classmates as he is talking to Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, and Blake Shelton.  In his early radio days, I guarantee you he never thought he would end up in the Country Radio Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, not to mention the truckload of ACM and CMA awards he has collected.

He has never used an “announcer voice.” What you hear is what you get.  Dex is a pure, natural personality who brings the party everywhere he goes.  Chattanooga radio listeners sure have been lucky to have Billy Joe Poindexter spreading joy into our homes, offices and cars for all these decades.  We won’t hear as much of him in the future, but we haven’t heard the last of  him.  Something tells me he’ll be making us smile at the ball fields, the restaurants, and wherever else he may cross our paths.

Enjoy retirement Dex!  You “done” good!

Dex with his Country Radio Hall of Fame plaque

About David Carroll

David Carroll is a longtime Chattanooga radio and TV broadcaster, and has anchored the evening news on WRCB-TV since 1987. He is the author of "Chattanooga Radio & Television" published by Arcadia.

8 thoughts on “He’s Dex, and he’s done!

  1. A Johnson

    Been listening to Dex since he has been on US101. Sure did miss David Earl but having Dex made it alright, and Mo is great. Sure won’t be the same not hearing Dex, already been missing him. Best of luck to you in your retirement. Great story David Carroll.

    Reply
  2. Michelle

    I listened to the US101 afternoon show for many, many years until I recently quit my job. I have been missing the show these days but I just happened to be in my car this evening got to hear him sign off. I am so glad I did even if I did have a tear in my eye. Happy retirement Dex!

    Reply
  3. Jennifer Stewart

    Dex, It Has Been Great Listening To You The Last 25 years. Sure gonna miss hearing u every afternoon. You are a sweet and caring person, that deserves all the credit you can get. Thanks for giving radio world the Best 25 Years of your life. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it. Best Wishes and God Bless You!!! Xoxo

    Reply
  4. DONNA

    I HAVE LISTENED TO DEX STARTING WITH DAVID EARL YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST DEX YOU WILLL BE MISSED BUT HAVE A HAPPY RETIREMENT YOU DESERVE THAT AND SO MUCH MORE

    Reply
  5. Dianne Cagle

    I’m so sad but happy for him at the same time. I have called the station a few times to inquire about him and was only told he was taking a break for a while. Our radio djs become our family and it’s hard to lose them. Good luck Dexter- you’v brought me a lot of laughs

    Reply
  6. Carolyn Pitts

    Happy retirement Dex! It’s been a pleasure to listening to you for so long, but then, the nice stuff kicks in. I know your family will enjoy the time you will have with them and all the memories yet to be made. Have fun, keep laughing, and most of all, keep being yourself!!

    Reply

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