Former WSFA news anchor Bob Howell has died following an extended illness, the Montgomery TV station reported on Saturday.

Howell spent more than three decades at the station during two stints between 1976-2012.

“He was an amazing teacher, encourager, and friend,” said Birmingham meteorologist James Spann in a social media post about Howell’s death. “My memories of the days with Bob at WSFA are cherished.”

Funeral arrangements haven’t yet been announced.

Howell began his broadcasting career in radio in his hometown of Geneva, about 30 miles southwest of Dothan near the Florida state line, according to WSFA. He moved into TV in the Dothan market before joining WSFA in 1976.

According to the station, he anchored more than 10,000 broadcasts and served as the managing editor.

In 2012, he was inducted into the Alabama Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame.

“Outside of his work at WSFA, Bob Howell helped teach future journalists at Troy University’s Hall School of Journalism for several years, including some of the employees still working at WSFA today,” according to the station.

Desmond Wingard, WSFA’s news director, said he grew up in south Alabama watching Howell on TV every night.

“I consider Bob one of my mentors,” Wingard said, per the station. “I watched him growing up, and it was his professionalism that drew me into this career field. Being able to work at WSFA with Bob years later was a high point for me. I’ll always remember his coaching and him checking in on me after his retirement.”