Al Smith was the former general manager of KMJ 580 AM and president and CEO of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. He died on Saturday. Photo via FFBBank.com

Words of remembrance poured out on social media over the weekend with news of the death of former Fresno radio executive and business leader Al Smith.

Smith, 86, died on Saturday, according to multiple online posts. He was remembered as a charismatic leader known for his booming voice and ability to make each person he encountered feel special.

He became president and CEO of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in 2006, serving in the position until his retirement in 2016.

Before that, he was a senior vice president and market manager for national radio company Infinity Broadcasting.

He also led the top-rated Fresno radio station KMJ 580 AM as its general manager for 15 years. His voice was familiar to listeners through his regular “Legends & Legacies” feature on KMJ, sharing tales of the Central Valley’s past.

He spent more than 60 years in the broadcasting industry.

 

He was also a steward of the business community, sharing his experience as advising committee chairman of the Sid Crag School of Business at Fresno State. He was also president of the Fresno City and County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and past chairman of the California Broadcasters Association and past director of the Rotary Club of Fresno. He served on the Wonder Valley Ranch Resort board of directors for more than 20 years.

Most recently, he was working a local business consultant.

Smith is a New Orleans native who worked as a radio executive in Southern California before moving to Fresno.

“The New Orleans spirit never left him!” said Patty Hixson, who succeeded Smith as KMJ’s general manager. “He embodied everything about the energy of that city. He was a great musician and had so many great gifts that he lovingly shared with so many of us… God bless you Al Smith! May your trumpet blare in heaven for all those loved ones who have passed before us! You will be so deeply missed. Hearts are broken everywhere!”

Longtime KMJ radio personality Ray Appleton was a close friend of Smith’s. He said in a Facebook post that Smith had been dealing with health issues, but that his death Saturday evening was unexpected. He said two of Smith’s sons live in the Central Valley, and he has a daughter in Louisiana and a son in New York. He was married to Janette Smith for nearly 65 years.

 

“I want to say, ‘rest in peace, Al.’ It may be more appropriate to say, ‘party on, pal!’” Appleton wrote. “The times we all spent together were the very best of times!”

Several other former colleagues and friends took to social media to share the impact Smith had on them.

His son, Christopher Scott Smith, announced his passing late Saturday night and wrote, “Fresno and the world lost the greatest tonight. I love you, Daddio. Al Smith, “The Legend.”

Nathan Ahle, the former president and CEO of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce who succeeded Smith in 2016, shared his thoughts.

“Throughout my nearly five years in the role he was always kind, gracious, and supportive — eager to support Fresno and its amazing business community,” Ahle wrote. “It was so sad to hear of his passing. Thanks for everything, Al — you’ll be missed.”

Scott Miller, the current president of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, wrote that Smith had an immeasurable impact on him.

“What a loss to our community. To say that he was a mentor and role model would be putting it too lightly. He taught me most of what I know about the Fresno Chamber and I still feel like it’s very much his organization in so many ways,” Miller said. “He wasn’t born here but he loved Fresno and was a tireless champion of our city and our region. He was literally the voice of Fresno for many years. There will never be another like him. What a legend. What a legacy. Rest in peace, Al.”

John Ostlund, the president of One Putt Broadcasting, served with Smith on the Wonder Valley Board of Directors for over 20 years.

“I had the privilege to compete and cooperate with Al Smith for 30 years. He was responsible for much of the great success of KMJ Radio and later at the Chamber of Commerce, where he led by being friendly, fair and firm,” Ostlund said. “We always counted on him for the unvarnished truth and a damn good time. I’m going to miss his friendship and counsel. RIP Al.”