Richard (Dick) Van Salter

Richard (Dick) Van Salter, 77, native of Montgomery, Alabama died October 17, 2024.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith, and his parents Laura and Homer “Buddy” Salter.  He is survived by his sister, Debbie Salter, his children Tracy Bass, Kim Bass, and James (Janis) Salter, and cousin Jim Shoemaker.  He also leaves behind a slew of “littles” as he liked to say. “Pop” is survived by grandchildren Emily (George) Mascio, Sarah (Riki) Farley, John “Jake” Ball, Joseph Ball, Jane Salter, Finn Salter, and James Salter, and two and a half great grandchildren – Giorgio, Elizabeth and Kathryn Grace (who is probably having a tea party in heaven with him before she comes to earth!)

Raised in and around the Montgomery area, Dick survived many youthful misadventures which included a stint at Starke University School, a brief attendance at Huntingdon college, and the establishments of lifelong friendships. 

In the early 1970s Dick found his way into broadcasting, and was a “talented radio man, wonderful teacher, and good friend”.  He worked as program director for WCOV and for various other stations around the Montgomery area before moving the family to St. Croix, USVI, as general manager for WSTX radio (AM/FM) in 1987.  Dick and Judy returned to the states in the late 1990s and landed in Georgia.  He finally escaped radio and worked at the Athens Banner Herald until retiring.

He will forever be remembered “with a coffee cup in hand, fascinating stories of previous life experiences, and a quick -witted comment”. 

Since he hated a lot of fuss, the family will hold a private memorial.  A public memorial will be announced for a later date, because a lot of people loved him and want to pay respects.  He would have blushed at all the attention, but secretly loved it.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association, and the Parkinson Association of Alabama.  Additionally, the family would love to hear your stories, as we’re not quite sure which ones he told were true, and which were completely fabricated to keep the littles entertained.

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our upmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard (Dick) Van Salter, please visit our floral store.