Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Robert Ray Roddy was a 1957 graduate of Texas Christian University who made his way into television and broadcasting when he became the narrator of ABC-TV’s comedy series “Soap,” which ran for four years. Many other jobs in broadcasting followed before he landed the position of the original announcer of the show “Love Connection” before joining Bob Barker on the most popular game show in America, “The Price is Right.”

This past season was Roddy’s 17th year with the hit game show, and even though he had been ill with cancer for over two years, his on-show vigor and famous “Come on down, you’re the next contestant on the Price is Right!!” was never brighter. He worked as hard as he could, regardless of his health condition. In a world where selfishness can run rampant, he was an entertainer who gave 110 percent all of the time, for the benefit of the ecstatic crowd members who travel from all over the world to attend the show. Even when you knew Bob was having a bad day, holding that annoying little microphone with a smug look on his face, Rod was always there in his booth to spread the cheer with his announcements of happiness.

Even more exciting than Roddy’s booming voice was the colorful and exotic suit jackets that he wore on the show, always making you do a double take. Most of his suits are actually from Chaing Mai, Thailand, where he traveled frequently, as the official international ambassador to the city.

Overall, Roddy’s obvious zeal for life and love of his work are aspects of his existence that will never be paralleled. Many will never forget their younger days spent in front of the television set, watching Rod call astonished audience members down to the pricing row and seeing him always with a smile on his face and a sparkle in his suit. As people hear the news that this loveable Hollywood personality has been unfairly pulled from the life he so vibrantly filled, they will feel that the price was wrong, and a part of the game will be over.