Roland “Sandy” McClamroch died on Wednesday afternoon at his home in the Carol Woods retirement community, according to family members.

McClamroch founded WCHL and put the station on the air in 1953.

He also served as Chapel Hill Mayor for eight years from 1961 – 1969.

McClamroch founded the Carol Woods retirement community and was its first president.

McClamroch was one of the most influential members of the Chapel Hill – Carrboro community in the ’50s and ’60s, when he also founded the Chapel Hill – Carrboro Jaycees.

McClamroch was inducted into the Chapel Hill – Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2013.

Former WCHL owner Jim Heavner, who started at WCHL working for McClamroch, described McClamroch’s leadership style as “quiet and inclusive” and credited his ability to “listen carefully to everyone and create consensus wherever possible” during a time when protests and demonstrations were  part of the norm in Chapel Hill and around the country.

The funeral service will be held at two o’clock on Tuesday afternoon, April 5, at University Presbyterian Church.

McClamroch was 90 years old.

Listen below to Heavner reflecting on McClamroch with WCHL’s Ron Stutts:

 

Jim Heavner contributed to this report.

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