Tony Gross

Mr. Carl A. (Tony) Gross of Hampton died at home Saturday morning November 15, 2025 under the care of Crescent Hospice.  He was 87, shy of his 88 birthday by one month.  He was the son of the late Karl and Anna Gross of LaFollete, TN.  He was married to the love of his life, the late Adeline K "Addie" Gross, for 66 years.  Their infatuation with each other started on a blind date in 1957 while Adaline was in high school in Denmark and Tony spinning the discs in Barnwell.  They married about a year later and after a brief stint in Barnwell, made their way to Hampton so Tony Could manage WBHC Radio  for owner Joe Wilder. He later bought the station. Tony and Addie added a daughter to their home in 1960 with the birth of their only child, Carolyn Tonette Gross.

Survivors include a daughter, Tonette Daniel and husband Jim of Hampton and a grand-daughter, Jamie Leigh Daniel of Beaufort, SC. Also a special sister in law, Carolyn Killingsworth of Lexington, SC.

After taking over the reins of WBHC, Tony committed to making the station have a small town feel.  He believed radio was more than just playing music.  He firmly believed WBHC should be a part of the community.  Whether it be the birthday show, the obituary column, the Agricultural report or local news, and of course the revered and sometimes reviled talk show, News, Views and Opinions.    The station was heavily involved in reporting the local news from town and county council meetings, to school board meetings, and reports from the courts and police. You could count on WBHC for high school football, high school basketball and even high school baseball.  The Hampton County Rotary Club was given free airtime for their annual Radio Auction along with publicly for their birthday calendar and onion sales.  The station went overboard with the Watermelon Festival each year broadcasting many events live such as the parade, public speaking, watermelon eating contest and provided results of other events such as the fishing contest, pet show, 5K run and so much more. But WBHC  really stood out when disaster struck, such as hurricanes .  In the days before Internet, WBHC could be counted on to keep the community informed as the Hurricanes path and along with warnings and important information to get through the storm.  WBHC was fortunate that day or night, if a storm came through,  WBHC never loss power and your trusty Radio Announcer's  soothing voice would get you through the event,  In fact, WBHC was honored by the State of South Carolina for its coverage and service to the community during Hurricane Hugo.

But Tony believed his involvement in the community should be more than just owning a radio station.  He wanted to help make the community grow and be a friend to the people.  His service included being a member of the Jaycees, a founding member of the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce, Watermelon Festival Chairman, Adopt a Highway program and many more. Tony served on Hampton Town Council in the late 70s to early 8os. And he served on numerous boards and commissions, too many to name.  He was also honored as Citizen of the year by the Hampton Rotary Club, Watermelon Festival Grand Marshall and many other awards.  Finally in 2004, it was time for a rest and Tony and Adeline sold WBHC to enjoy retirement. Tony was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church, Hampton, SC.  He was a devoted fan of all things Clemson and Tennessee.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 19. 2025 with visitation at 2:00 pm and service at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Peeples Rhoden Funeral Home.  Burial following immediately in the Hampton Cemetery.  Services under the direction of Rev Charlie Lightsey.  Tonette, Jim and Jamie Leigh would like to thank  Crescent Hospice for their service.  In lieu of flowers, you are requested to make a donation to Crescent Hospice or a charity of ones choice.