Proclaimed the “greatest caller” in show history by Paul Finebaum, Charles from Reeltown, an iconic personality who coined his own phrase and was an avid Auburn fan, died May 31 at the age of 82.

Charles, whose real name was Kenneth Charles Fomby, died at Arbor Springs Nursing Home in Opelika. The cause of death was not listed in his online obit.

“We often throw around greatest this and greatest that, but Charles from Reeltown really was one of the greatest callers in our show’s history,” Finebaum, who announced the news on his show Wednesday, told AL.com. “He was also one of the most memorable. He started calling during (coach) Tommy Tuberville’s six straight wins over Alabama and loved nothing more than to rub it in on the “Bams” as he called them. Although he did turn on Tuberville toward the end.”

Charles’ Auburn fandom was unmatched.

“He also coined the phrase for anyone who disagreed, including me, ‘I am going to give you a country boy ass whipping,’” Finebaum recalled. “It was his signature, and he used it often.”

Perhaps one of the most popular moments was when Charles from Reeltown threatened ESPN’s Marcus Spears with his patented line.

Fomby is survived by his son John Mark (Donna) Fomby, his daughter-in-law Wendy Fomby, nine grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, his brother-in-law Roger Spivey, his niece Alicia (Andy) Davidson and his great niece Chloe Davidson.

“I met him dozens of times at functions when we were in Auburn, and he was a kind, gentle wonderful human being,” Finebaum said. “The audience was heartbroken today as we remembered him.”

It was just a couple of weeks ago Finebaum announced the death of “Larry from Shelby, calling him a “Mount Rushmore caller.”

The reaction to Charles’ death was immediate on social media.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter@Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.