Marion remembers beloved broadcaster Bob Nunnally with August 8 tribute

MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) -The Marion community is invited to gather at King Arts Complex’s MLK Park August 8 at 4:00 p.m. for a special memorial bench dedication honoring beloved local broadcast icon Bob “Big Bob” Nunnally, whose vibrant voice and charismatic presence spanned over four decades across Central Ohio airwaves and television screens, passed away leaving a legacy that deeply touched both Columbus and his hometown of Marion, Ohio.

Nunnally first captured the region’s ears in 1977 when he joined WNCI radio, earning the affectionate nicknames “Big Bob” and “Large Robert.” In 1983, he transitioned to WSNY/Sunny 95, where he spent 14 years serving as a deejay, music director, and assistant programming director.

His television career blossomed in 1994 when he began substitute weathercasting for Columbus’ WB affiliate. By late 1997, Nunnally moved full-time to WCMH-TV (NBC4), where he remained a trusted weather forecaster and community favorite for more than 25 years.

Though his broadcasting career in Columbus, Nunnally maintained a lifelong commitment to his hometown of Marion. Over the years, he served as emcee for major regional events, including:The Marion Popcorn FestivalThe Miss Heart of Ohio Contest and Miss Teen Pageant

WMRN’s Annual Groundhog Day celebration welcoming “Buckeye Chuck”

Beyond the spotlight, Nunnally was a devoted philanthropist. He served on the boards of several prominent organizations, including the YMCA, the Arthritis Foundation, and LifeCare Alliance, while actively supporting the annual Jingle Bell Run.

A passionate advocate for animal welfare, he routinely partnered with adoption agencies across Central Ohio to help shelter pets find homes.

An artist and pop-culture enthusiast, Kelly was known off-air as an avid moviegoer, comic book lover, and talented sketch artist who created his own childhood comic strip character, “Packy.”

The August 8 ceremony at MLK Park offers fans, colleagues, and community members an opportunity to commemorate Nunnally’s decades of warmth, entertainment, and public service.