Who was Benji Norton?
Benji Norton grew up in North Myrtle Beach and attended the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1980. According to the radio station, despite receiving his degree from USC’s School of Journalism, Norton grew up a Clemson University fan, the alma mater of his father and three brothers.
“Benji was kind and encouraging in my early days with a (M) midlands station and a fearless Tiger fan, even while working for USC’s flagship station,” tweeted Greenville Triumph public address announcer Michael Vaughn.
Norton had worked in radio in Columbia since 1988, most recently as a marketing specialist and host on 102.3 FM Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m, It was his second stint on 102.3. From 1990 to 1995, he was also the station’s program director and drive-time host.
He also worked for Cumulus Radio as a senior sales rep and morning show host from 1996 to 2018. He worked at 107.5 FM “The Game” from 6 to 9 a.m. on a show with former WLTX-TV 19 sports anchor Bob Shields, who died in 2018, and former USC baseball player Tommy Moody.
Career
Fox 102.3 FM, the classic rock music station in Columbia where Norton worked, posted news of his death on the station’s website, as well as its social media pages.
“It is with a heavy, saddened heart we must share that our brother, Benji Norton, has passed away,” the post said of the DJ and radio personality who was in his early 60s. “Always the SPIRIT of Fox, Benji filled the lives of those around him with laughter and plenty of smiles!”
According to 102.3, Benji Norton held a variety of positions at stations in Knoxville, Nashville, and Raleigh-Durham before becoming well-known in Columbia. He worked as an account executive, music director, program director, and on-air personality.
At Dutch Fork football games, Norton served as the public address announcer as well.
Vizor Sports, which covers Gamecocks athletics, said Norton died “unexpectedly.”
“We are wishing Benji’s family courage and peace during this time of mourning,” 102.3 said.
Family
Benji Norton is survived by his wife, Barbara Anne Yankasky-Norton; son, Benjamin Croft Bradley Norton of Columbia; daughter, Savannah Nicole Norton of Columbia; three brothers, John Croft Norton (Janice) of Little Switzerland, North Carolina, Charles Utley Norton (Kathy), also of Little Switzerland, David Milton Norton of Rock Hill; father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Cynthia Yankasky of West Columbia, and numerous nieces, nephews, co-workers, friends, and fans.
How did Benji Norton die?
To date, there has been no official report as regards what led to the death of Beji Norton but some sources online have it that the radio broadcaster died of heart failure.
Net Worth
Benji Norton’s net worth is unknown but it is believed that he must have made a decent amount of money during his career having worked for a couple of organisations.
