Retired voice of Lady Toppers Basketball, Barry Williams, died Thursday morning at 78 years old, according to a Facebook post by his son Jim.

In 2017, Williams retired from a 33-season-long career in play-by-play broadcasting for the Lady Toppers. His career spanned three Final Four appearances and one national championship appearance in 1992.

“Barry Williams was synonymous with WKU Women’s Basketball,” WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said in a statement to the College Heights Herald. “His loyal and dedicated service as our play-by-play announcer enabled a generation of Lady Topper fans to follow and learn about the program in a meaningful and insightful way.” 

Williams began his career at WLBJ in Bowling Green at 15 years old. He opened his business, Communication Systems, in 1982 and has since worked with over 250 radio stations, according to the WKU Alumni Association.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family,” Stewart said.