When Cecil Goodreau (1926-2001) passed away, the headline of the local newspaper read, “Goodreau was the Voice of Thomasville.” “Mr. Cecil” ended each day with, “It’s sundown in Thomasville and the end to another broadcasting day at WJDB AM.”

While the AM station was concluding a day, WJDB-FM continued till 10:00 pm. Taking into consideration the number of youth in the area, Mr. Goodreau took this opportunity to not play country music, but rather the pop music of the day, including A-Ha, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and the Fat Boys.

In November 1990, Goodreau reached an agreement to sell his station to Griffin Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr. Goodreau was a World War II Navy veteran who hailed from Liberty, Nebraska. He made his way to Thomasville, Alabama in 1956, when he took a managerial position with WJDB. Cecil eventually became owner of the station in 1965. He retired in 1991 after selling WJDB. He was a civic minded person who donated much of his time and efforts to philanthropic causes.

Goodreau and his wife Mexie enjoyed ten years of fun before his passing in July, 2001. He is survived by his wife, two sons – Gary Goodreau of Mobile and Jim Goodreau of Birmingham, and five grandchildren.

Accomplishments and Civil Service:

Member, Thomasville Baptist Church

ABA Life Time Achievement Award (1990)

Exchange Club

American Legion Post #12