From The Archives: The Bill Casteel Roast of 1981

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Longtime Chattanooga Times editor, writer and columnist Bill Casteel died this week at the age of 82.

Casteel made his reputation by skewering the powerful and championing the common day heroes in our area.

Some examples: He helped create the Kudzu Ball to mock high society’s Cotton Ball. He also was a major proponent of the Special Olympics in Chattanooga.

In 1981, The March of Dimes roasted Casteel to raise money.

And such was his reputation, that the Governor of the State came to town to get his licks in.

WDEF reporter Helen Hardin covered the roast.