TAMPA — John Wilson's last day in the newsroom started with a standing ovation from the entire Fox 13 staff. His wife, who he says has dressed him for 47 years, picked up his dress shirt for the final time.
And then, at 6 p.m. sharp, surrounded by family and friends, he delivered his final broadcast.
"I hate long goodbyes, and this isn't going to be one of them," he said, before giving his viewers the day's news, as he had done for more than three decades.
Throughout the broadcast, the station played snippets from local politicians, law enforcement leaders and community organizers, thanking Wilson for his 33 years of journalistic service in Tampa Bay.
The last 15 minutes of the show were dedicated to recapping Wilson's reporting career. He said it was the adventure that drew him to the news and that will make him miss it most. He recounted traveling across the world, from Normandy to Cuba to Moscow.
When he started his career in journalism, there was no color television and Eisenhower was in the White House.
"I think what happened to me is that I really became passionate about this business, because you really get to connect with people," he said during the broadcast. "And when you get right down to it, I really love people."
Wilson's three sons, three daughters-in-law and six grandchildren joined him and his wife, Mary K, in the studio for his final send-off. A blooper reel brought laughs and then Wilson passed his seat to his son, Mark, who will fill his father's role as anchor of WTVT.
And with that final hand-off, Wilson said goodbye.
"So it's done. Deep breath time," he said and paused, voice catching. "Au revoir, as I heard in Normandy, auf wiedersehen in Germany, hasta la vista in Cuba, and in Moscow, do svidaniya. Until we meet again, for we surely will. Thank you for watching, and on behalf of all of us here at Fox 13, I'm John Wilson. Goodnight, and farewell."
Contact Katie Mettler at kmettler@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8913. Follow @kemettler.