Former WSGI/WDBL Owner, Community Leader Neil Petersen Dies At 83
SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – United States Army veteran, former Springfield radio station owner, businessman, and longtime community leader Neil Petersen has died. He was 83. Petersen died peacefully at his home on Friday.
After a career in information technology, including service as Information Systems Manager for the Port of Los Angeles, Petersen retired and pursued a longtime dream of owning a radio station. With encouragement from his wife, Jo Ann Petersen, whose roots were in Tennessee, he purchased WSGI and WDBL AM radio stations in Springfield.
During his years as owner, Petersen became an integral part of the Springfield and Robertson County community. Beyond broadcasting, he was deeply involved in civic and community organizations, serving on the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Springfield-Robertson County Airport Board, the Bransford Community Center Board, and the building and renovation committee for the Stokes Brown Public Library. He was also active in the Kiwanis Club of Springfield, the amateur radio community, and Springfield Baptist Church.
Before relocating to Tennessee, Petersen served his country in the United States Army, holding a top-secret crypto security classification and serving at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and Headquarters United States Army Vietnam.
Friends and colleagues remember Petersen for his leadership, generosity, and commitment to the community. His influence extended well beyond the radio industry, leaving a lasting mark on Springfield and Robertson County through decades of civic involvement and public service.
“Neil was always supportive of any major initiatives in our community. I remember his support for the community college. As mayor I was a monthly guest on Page Two on WSGI first with Dick Veach and later Jay Swafford. I appreciate the forum they provided me for being able to speak directly to the people of Robertson County. Neil made this possible. He will be missed.” — Former Robertson County Mayor Howard Bradley
“Over the years, I had the opportunity to work alongside Neil as we each served the community through local media. He was always professional, ethical, and genuinely committed to keeping the public informed. Beyond broadcasting, Neil was a remarkably talented individual whose knowledge seemed to span countless fields. He was a pleasure to work with, and Robertson County is better for the contributions he made during his time here.”
— Jim Ball, Smokey Barn News
Petersen is survived by his wife of more than 54 years, Jo Ann Petersen. FULL OBITUARY
SERVICE: A graveside memorial with military honors is scheduled for June 19 at 2 pm at Springfield Memorial Gardens. DIRECTIONS
The Springfield-Robertson County Joint Airport Board recognized Springfield resident Neil Petersen on Wednesday for his many years of volunteer service on the board. Petersen retired from the board last year. PHOTO: City Of Springfield
