Georgia Radio Hall of Fame member Gary Corry, better known to Atlanta audiences as “Red Neckerson,” died Tuesday night at his home in Forsyth County. He was 74.

The Illinois native was program director and promotions director at WQXI in Atlanta when he created the “Quixie Ramblin’ Raft Race” on the Chattahoochee River in the 1970s.

In 1979, while also the head writer for the Gary McKee Morning Show, Corry created the Red Neckerson character. His daily commentaries as Neckerson were eventually syndicated on more than 300 radio stations, and Corry recorded several comedy albums.

In 1997, Corry became a regular on long-time friend  “Capt.” Herb Emory’s weekly NASCAR talk show on WSB radio. Corry and Emory were both inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.

Emory told the AJC Wednesday morning that Corry’s daughter had called to tell him of her father’s death.

“He was a character that entertained thousands of people for years and years,” Emory said. “I was blessed to be able to work with him and see some of the magic that he did behind the microphone, keeping people cheered up while they were sitting in traffic.”

Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming will be in charge of funeral arrangements.