Wes Sarginson, a beloved former anchor and reporter for WSB-TV and 11Alive in Atlanta, passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 82. He had been battling esophageal cancer.
His son, Todd, shared the sad news with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Todd also posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, saying,
Wes leaves behind his devoted wife, Ann, his son Todd, his daughter Jennifer Edgar, and three grandchildren. A private funeral was held in Pensacola, Florida, where the family has ties.
Wes Sarginson’s wife Ann was a constant presence in his life for nearly 60 years. They got married in 1966 in Birmingham, Alabama, right in the middle of the city’s civil rights disorders. Wes once recalled in an interview how chaotic yet special that time was. He said-:
“We got married one day with most of the people from the station in attendance, At 8 a.m. the next morning we were all back on the streets in the middle of the riots.”
Via The Washington Post
Ann, whose full name is Rebecca Ann Sarginson (née Mask), was born in Montgomery, Alabama. She is now 81 and lives in Pensacola.
Though Ann kept a low profile away from the public eye, she supported Wes through his demanding career in broadcast journalism.
Little public information is available about her personal life, but those close to the family describe her as a pillar of strength.
Wes often spoke warmly of his family, and Ann was at the heart of it. He enjoyed simple pleasures like fishing, walking his dogs, wearing cowboy boots, eating ice cream, and spending time with loved ones.
Sometimes, he even brought his kids along on reporting assignments, blending work and family in a way that showed his down-to-earth nature.
Wes’s career in television spanned more than 41 years and took him across the country.
He was born on April 4, 1943, and started in broadcasting after serving as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
His first job was at WKAB-TV (Channel 32) in Montgomery, Alabama, in the 1960s. There, he not only anchored news but also hosted a show similar to Dick Clark’s, mixing entertainment with reporting.
From Montgomery, he moved to WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Then came KYW-TV in Philadelphia, where he worked as a street reporter and weekend anchor in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
On February 26, 1972, for example, he anchored the 11 p.m. newscast, covering a flash flood in West Virginia and President Nixon’s historic trip to China.
Wes’s serious, professional style shone through in every market. He later joined WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., where he reported on national stories like presidential campaigns and international events.
In 1978, he arrived at WSB-TV in Atlanta as co-anchor of Action News, partnering with Monica Kaufman.
After that, he spent nine years at WFLA-TV in Tampa, Florida, anchoring newscasts and building a strong reputation. In the late 1990s, Wes returned to Atlanta to anchor the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. shows at WXIA-TV.
He became a household name for his “Wes Side Story” segments, which showcased his storytelling talent. These human-interest pieces highlighted everyday people and unique tales, earning him fans across Georgia.
Throughout his career, Wes earned numerous awards that reflected his dedication. He won eight Emmy Awards, five United Press International awards, and seven Associated Press honors.
Beyond news, he appeared in minor on-screen roles, including as a newscaster in the 1981 film Sharky’s Machine. Wes also turned his experiences into writing. Early on, he authored the nonfiction book Fast Eddie Watkins in 1982.
Later, he co-wrote the Riley Walker thriller series with author Dianna Love, starting with Justifiable in 2013.
Even after retiring from anchoring in 2007, Wes stayed connected to 11Alive. He continued producing “Wes Side Story” segments under contract until March 2008.
Colleagues remember him as a people person who loved chatting with everyone, from photographers to donut shop owners.
One former coworker recalled how Wes would walk up to strangers in line and strike up conversations, always ready with a story or a kind word.
Wes Sarginson’s passing has sparked tributes from the journalism community. From Atlanta to Tampa and beyond, people are sharing memories of his integrity and warmth. His work in markets like Detroit, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia also left a mark.
But above all, Wes was a family man. His bond with Ann, forged in turbulent times and lasting through decades, reminds us of the personal stories behind the public figures.
As Atlanta says goodbye to one of its news legends, thoughts turn to Ann and the family, who will carry on his spirit of storytelling and love.
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