Pastor Roderick "Rod" Hughey, a WDUN radio personality since 2020 and local religious leader with extensive community ties and involvement passed away Wednesday after a brief illness.
Hughey was the co-host of WDUN's "The Martha Zoller Show." He first began hosting and filling in on that program in 2020.
“I met Rod through the organized protest in Gainesville during the George Floyd era," Martha Zoller said. "He put together law enforcement, Chamber of Commerce representatives and community members to have open dialogue and to make sure something like George Floyd never happened in our area. I knew I had to talk to him after that.“
Additionally, Hughey provided color commentary for Gainesville High School football games during the Fall 2023 season on 94.5 FM The Lake.
Hughey was the Pastor of the Atlanta Community Church, Gainesville Campus. He also served as a chaplain for the Gainesville Police Department.
The Gainesville Police Department issued a statement Wednesday evening following Hughey's passing.
"We will all miss him more than words can express," the agency said. "He was not just our Chaplain but our good friend as well. He was there for us during the tough times and challenges."
Georgia U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock also commented on Hughey's passing Thursday afternoon on his social media page.
"I’m saddened by the loss of Pastor Rod Hughey. His faith, activism and commentary on The Martha Zoller Show made an impact that was felt all across Georgia," Warnock said. "I’m sending my prayers to his wife & children, his loved ones, and his AccessWDUN community during this difficult time."
Hughey is survived by his wife, Vel, and children.
