ABILENE, Texas -- Radio broadcaster and convenience-store veteran Daniel Patrick McCurdy Sr., who helped create the “Oh thank heaven for 7-Eleven” campaign, died Feb. 5 at age 76.
McCurdy began his career in radio in high school working for a small radio station in Stamford, Texas. He was hired by radio KRBC in Abilene, Texas, moving to KLIF-AM in Dallas and WMEX in Boston. He also hosted the morning drive-time Dan Patrick Show on KBOX-AM in Dallas.
In 1967, he was recruited to join the in-house advertising agency for 7-Eleven in Dallas, where as radio creative director and national projects director he created the “Oh thank heaven for 7-Eleven” radio and TV campaign and helped introduce the Slurpee frozen drink.
He wrote, produced, directed and voiced radio commercials nationally for 7-Eleven; he also wrote and appeared as on-camera talent in numerous national 7-Eleven TV commercials. He joined 7-Eleven’s public relations department in 1981.
He left 7-Eleven in 1987. In 1993, he joined San Angelo, Texas-based c-store chain Town & Country Food Stores as vice president of corporate communications and creative director. There McCurdy wrote, produced and voiced more than 700 commercials, and he created ads featuring Town & Country’s arch nemesis, “Toot n’ Scoot Stores,” its name for all of its competitors.
In 2004, the Texas Radio Hall of Fame inducted McCurdy for his extensive talents in that field. He retired in 2007.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. McCurdy’s family during this difficult time. Oh thank heaven for Dan McCurdy,” Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven Inc. said in a statement provided to CSP Daily News.
McCurdy is survived by three children, several grandchildren and two brothers.
CSP sends condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
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