Fred Hunter, a beloved meteorologist, producer and storyteller at WBRC FOX 6, retired on Tuesday after 27 years with the TV station.

Hunter, 71, was greeted with a round of applause from colleagues when he walked into the station on Valley View Drive for his final shift on a stormy Tuesday morning. “Congratulations, man, we’ll miss you!” one of them said to Hunter, who was wearing a raincoat and his trademark Stetson hat.

“I’ll miss y’all, against all odds,” Hunter said, joking in a video posted on Facebook by WBRC’s Matt Daniel. Another video of Hunter’s entrance was posted on Instagram by WBRC, and includes shouts of “We love you, Fred!” and “Speech, speech!”

Hunter, who started working at WBRC in 1997, was known for his trusted coverage of weather events across the state, including the deadly tornadoes of April 27, 2011, Snowmageddon in 2014, and many tropical storms across the Southeast. He also earned fame as the host of “Absolutely Alabama,” a weekly show that highlighted “people, places, and things that make the state of Alabama unique and special.”

Hunter gave his final weather report around noon on Tuesday, and was featured throughout the morning on “Good Day Alabama.”

WBRC’s Daniel, who’s also a meteorologist, posted another Facebook tribute to Hunter on Tuesday afternoon, showing the veteran broadcaster at work on his last day, surrounded by smiling colleagues.

“Mr. Absolutely Alabama. The one and the only Fred Hunter WBRC,” Daniel’s post said. “We are celebrating 27 years at Fox 6 today as he closes a chapter and starts a new one. He’s been in this industry for nearly 40 years. I don’t know anyone who has so many special stories to share like he does. He’s seen and been through so many significant weather events. He’s visited so many places around Alabama sharing stories. His gift of storytelling is like no one else. Hearing all of your stories and working with you for the past six years has been a pleasure. Thank you for being Absolutely Alabama. I’m going to miss seeing you at Fox 6. Keep in touch my friend!”

Hunter was born in Fort Payne, attended Fyffe High School and graduated from the University of Alabama, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in broadcast/film, journalism and public relations, according to his bio on the WBRC website. He later graduated from the meteorology program at Mississippi State University and became certified by the National Weather Association.

Before taking a job at WBRC, Hunter worked at local television stations in Austin, Texas; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Tuscaloosa. He has earned awards from organizations such as the Jefferson County Historical Commission, Daughters of the American Revolution, Alabama Broadcasters Association and Alabama Department of Tourism.

“I am filled with gratitude and love for the viewers who have welcomed me into their homes over three decades,” Hunter said in an April 2 press release that announced his retirement. “It has been an honor to share your stories. I look forward to having quality time with my family, to rejoin my church family, and the freedom to do something new.”

Hunter is married to the former Ivy Jean Bullard, a native of Sylacauga, according to his WBRC bio, and the couple has four daughters.

WBRC’s website includes a video from reporter and anchor Russell Jones, celebrating Hunter’s career and lauding his talents as reporter, storyteller and mentor. “For decades, Fred Hunter has been a familiar face to viewers across Alabama, guiding us through sunshine and storms,” Jones says.

Fans also have posted tributes to Hunter on social media, thanking him for his reporting and sending good wishes for his retirement. Here’s a sampling from Facebook:

“Fred Hunter is one of the best meteorologist on GOD’S Green Earth,” Terrance Allen said. “Congratulations on your retirement and GOD bless.”

“Fred Hunter WBRC thank you for everything, we will miss you, enjoy your retirement, it’s certainly well deserved,” said Zelda Campbell Johnson. “You are ABSOLUTELY ALABMA and we love you! God bless you sir!”

“There will be a big hole after he leaves!” said Wanda Yow. “However, I wish him happiness and contentment as he enters the next phase of his life!”

“I think he’ll be missed more than anyone ever in broadcasting!” Johnny Adams said. “Loved seeing his program Absolutely Alabama. Happy Retirement Fred!”

“Gonna miss seeing you Fred Hunter WBRC . And experiencing all the adventures you brought to us over the years! Happy Retirement,” said Debbie Lackey Blackburn.

“To one of WBRC’S ABSOLUTE BEST EVER, congratulations on your retirement,” said Teresa Adaway. “You will definitely be missed.”

“Happy Retirement Fred and thank you for all the stories,” Joy Carter said. “You will be missed by your viewers. Enjoy your next chapter and Blessings to you!”

“You will be missed by a whole lotta folks! God Bless you brother,” said Wayne Cordes.

“Enjoy every minute of your retirement Mr Fred,” Jerry Hopper said. “Keep your chin in the wind. We will miss you sir.”

“You are loved more than you will ever know and will be missed,” Lorrie Estes said. “You made my day and taught me so much about my own state. Thank you. God bless you.”