Hayward Talley, founder and longtime president of WSMI Radio, passed away Wednesday at the age of 91. Mr. Talley was born in Springfield on November 3, 1923 and raised in Piasa. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Emma; their two sons, Brian and Kevin; four grandchildren, Jackie, Nick, Chandler and Anna.

Mr. Talley started WSMI AM 1540 in 1950. 50,000 watt WSMI FM 106 would sign on in 1960 with WAOX 105.3 The Ox following in 1999.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday at 2 pm at St. Timothy's United Methodist Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be on Saturday from 3-7 at the Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Burial will be in Medora Cemetery.