Columbus, Ga. – A longtime Columbus radio icon was honored by city officials Wednesday. Wade Collier, also known as “Bear O’Brian”, has been on the Columbus airwaves for over four decades. Mayor of Columbus Skip Henderson read a proclamation at the Columbus Radio Museum, honor Bear for his work and service the Fountain City. Mayor Henderson also declared December 18th, 2024 as “Bear O’Brian Day.”
Bear was unable to attend the official ceremony because of his current battle against cancer. His daughter, Sydney Frazier, was there on his behalf and talked about her father getting this kind of recognition.
“It is such an honor for the whole family. We are so grateful for the love and support that this community has for him and his legacy as a radio announcer and also just a member of the community. And so this is this is just such an honor. It’s an honor to be here in this place, even though I know he would have loved to have been here. It really is such an incredible honor. We’re so humbled by it,” said Frazier.