Troy Dungan
Troy Dungan has stepped down as Channel Eight's chief weather anchor after 31 years. He worked in Waco, Detroit and Houston before landing at Channel 8 on July 19, 1976. His final day on the air was July 18, 2007. Retirement will give him more time with his new grandchild, who was born in June. You will continue to see Troy on Channel 8 from time to time. He'll fill in a few days out of the year and continue his toy charity service each Christmas with Santa's Helpers.
Video Clips:
Troy Trivia (by Troy Dungan):
Where did Troy start his career?
KWTX Radio and TV in Waco, in News. Started doing weather in Orlando in 1962
How long has Troy been at Channel 8?
Exactly 31 years
How many bow ties does Troy own?
Approx. 220
Why bow ties?
(It's a) Long boring story... basically just became an eccentric while working in Detroit in 1974.
Biggest/worst storm Troy covered?
(That's a ) tough one... Ft. Worth tornado probably tops... Mayfest hail storm/flood (would be) next.
Best advice Troy ever received?
Never try to explain anything you don't understand yourself.
Troy's most influential person?
This life, my dad. For next life, Jesus.
Troy's favorite way to relax?
Having a glass of wine with my lovely wife, Janet.
Troy's personal motto
Six Transit Gloria... basically fame is fleeting.. don't take yourself too seriously.
Troy's favorite moment at Ch 8?
Too many to even guess.
Troy's favorite moment(s) ever?
Number 1: first time I ever saw Janet. Number 2: seeing Mt Kilimanjaro.
Troy's favorite food?
Last meal if I was on death row: barbecue ribs and blackberry cobbler with ice cream (no need for an executioner).
What's next for Troy?
Twenty five days of on-air special projects for Channel 8 in the coming year. I can also now pursue commercial work. And I have just begun to write a book... no, it is not about weather.
Why Troy Dungan's departure is such a rare and celebrated occasion (by John McCaa)
Rarely in school today and seldom in business or adult life ... does anyone speak of virtue.
Charisma, yes... style or élan, absolutely... but the word virtue is but a faded whisper to those who've heard it and an complete unknown to people who have not.
It does not mean courage... though that is a part of it... or "manly," though any real man of virtue counts manliness has an important and necessary trait.
It's really about character... about the way a person conducts his or her life.
If you look in the dictionary, you have to go down to the 6th or 7th definition to find "character" as a synonym for virtue.
It means moral excellence. A man or woman of virtue is a man or woman of sound character... of high integrity and principle.
Perhaps the use of the term virtue is so rare today because living examples of it are so elusive.
Not so for us at channel 8.
Troy Dungan has provided our example, for 31 years... day in, day out... building a relationship with the audience based on trust.
Always conducting himself like a gentleman.
Trying to fashion a career in television while holding on to some sense of virtue is a slow, occasionally difficult process... too slow for many of today's young people who are so eager for a grasp at fame and glory, they will do or say anything for a single moment in the spotlight.
Troy's time here at Channel 8 and now his farewell, show all of us the benefits of taking the slow... reasoned... virtuous way to success.
So, we say goodbye not just to a man... but to an honorable way of living and working... to a television broadcaster who personifies what we should all aspire to be: a trusted friend... faithful, loyal, there when you need him... vigilant when you don't.
A good man... a man of virtue.
About Troy:
Since joining Channel 8 in 1976, Dungan has been named Best Television Weathercaster on eight occasions by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association, and eight times by the Texas United Press International Broadcasters Association. Dungan has received the distinguished Knight of the Press Award, and special recognition from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association Research Flight Facility for his work on a documentary film dealing with the subject of hurricanes. He has received a Katie Award from the Dallas Press Club, and has been named Best Television Weathercaster on five different occasions by the Dallas Observer.
Troy graduated from Baylor University and holds a bachelor's degree. He later received private meteorological training from the National Engineering Science Company in Houston.
He devotes a great deal of his time to community involvement. He is the spokesperson for Channel 8's Santa's Helpers, an event which provides toys for thousands of needy children throughout Dallas and Fort Worth.
Troy and wife Janet have three children: Leah, Dana and Wyn-Erin.
