Cousin Zeke Leonard never saw the day that his radio show wasn't on the air.

His gospel-bluegrass show at Roanoke's "Ministry Station," WKBA (1550 AM), was put to rest on Friday afternoon. And on Monday morning, the DJ passed away.

"He figured it was a good time to check out," said Drema Leonard, who hosted a final week of shows after her husband retired on May 7.

His birth name was Therl, but his preferred handle was Cousin Zeke. He wore Hawaiian shirts. He knew Buck Owens and Loretta Lynn. For 63 years, he filled the airwaves with his old-time radio voice and folksy charm.

"He would be there on my early morning country show and make everyone's day," recalled the radio man Bob Thomas, who worked with Cousin Zeke at a Marion station in the late 1950s.

A viewing for Cousin Zeke Leonard will be held today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home on Franklin Road in Roanoke. The funeral service will also be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Thursday.

-- Pete Dybdahl