Beloved Longtime FOX10 Chief Meteorologist John Edd Thompson Passes Away at 82, Remembered for Decades of Dedicated Service and Hurricane Coverage
MOBILE, Ala. — The Gulf Coast community is mourning the loss of an iconic figure in local broadcasting, as John Edd Thompson, the longtime Chief Meteorologist for FOX10 (WALA-TV), has passed away at the age of 82.
Thompson was the trusted face of weather coverage for residents across Mobile and Pensacola for more than 30 years. He retired in 2009 after a celebrated career during which he became a household name, known not only for his calm and accurate forecasting during dangerous storms, but also for his warmth, deep local knowledge, and community involvement.
Throughout his distinguished career, Thompson guided viewers through some of the most harrowing natural disasters to hit the Gulf Coast, including Hurricanes Frederic (1979), Ivan (2004), and Katrina (2005). His steady presence and reassuring voice during these times earned him the deep respect and appreciation of thousands who depended on him for critical information and peace of mind.
A native son of Mobile, John Edd graduated from Murphy High School and later attended the University of Alabama and Mississippi State University, where he pursued his passion for meteorology. He began working in television during a time when weather broadcasting was undergoing major changes, and he adapted effortlessly, embracing the technology and innovation that transformed weather forecasting into the dynamic science it is today.
Beyond his work in front of the green screen, Thompson was a cherished figure in the community. He was a co-founder and strong supporter of the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival in Gulf Shores, helping to elevate it into a beloved cultural tradition that continues to draw performers and audiences from across the nation.
FOX10 News paid tribute to Thompson in a heartfelt statement:
“He was the face of the FOX10 weather team for three decades, before retiring in 2009. During that time, John Edd forecast numerous hurricanes including Frederic, Ivan and Katrina. He was also a driving force behind the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival in Gulf Shores.”
John Edd is survived by his beloved wife Sharon, along with many family members, friends, and former colleagues who are grieving his loss while celebrating the indelible mark he left on their lives and the region he served so faithfully.
Condolences and tributes have poured in from viewers, meteorologists, and public officials who credit Thompson for not only shaping modern weather reporting in the area but also for making people feel safer, more informed, and connected.
As the Gulf Coast remembers John Edd Thompson, his legacy will live on in the stories, lives, and community he helped protect for over three decades. He wasn’t just a weatherman—he was a neighbor, a mentor, and a steady voice in the storm.