Reese Rickards, Longtime West Michigan Radio Personality, Has Died

West Michigan is mourning today after radio station B93 shared that West Michigan has lost a legendary radio personality.

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Reese Rickards, who, along with his on-air partner Neale Dionne, entertained country music fans in West Michigan for more than 20 years, has died.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, B93 Program Director Dave Taft posted a heartfelt tribute to Reese on the station's Facebook page. He said that Reese and Neale Dionne "started this radio station."

Taft said that he received a phone call from Neale on February 23, and that Neal told him that Reese "had fallen ill, and the outlook was not good." Taft then said that he received a follow-up call on February 24 informing him that Reese Rickards had, sadly, passed away.

Taft ended his post by saying of Rickards, "You are missed friend. Rest in Peace." He also asked that fans keep Rickards' wife, Kim, and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

West Michigan Reacts to the Death of Longtime Radio Personality Reese Rickards

Fans of Rickards shared condolences and stories about him. Including Dale Y., who commented that Rickards "brought honesty and integrity as well as humor to his broadcast."

Rosalyn C. said, "This is such sad news. So many hours spent with him on the radio. Rest in Peace Reese."

All of us at Townsquare Media send our love, thoughts, and prayers to Reese's family, as well as all who knew him at iHeart Media. He was more than a DJ, he was a radio (and West Michigan) legend. Rest in peace, Reese Rickards.