Long-time WRAL-TV engineer PB Jernigan passes away

Pias B. “PB” Jernigan, who worked for WRAL-TV for decades and played a role in many of the technological advances of the 20th century, died this week at the age of 82.

In a profile on the Capitol Broadcasting history website, Jernigan is described as “a man of few words, but his work ethic and vast knowledge demonstrated his passion for engineering and innovation.”

He also designed and maintained the Christmas lights on WRAL’s Western Boulevard TV tower. The annual tower lighting is a treasured WRAL tradition.

A funeral is scheduled for 3 pm on Jan. 3, 2023, at Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:45 pm at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers; Memorials may be made to your local animal shelter or to Safe Haven for Cats at www.safehavenforcats.org or to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Burial will follow in Banner’s Chapel Advent Christian Church Cemetery in Benson.

Jernigan was born on Dec. 25, 1940 in Johnston County. He married Maverine Adams on Oct. 1, 1960, and started work at WRAL the next year.