Ron Parker Obituary, UNITED STATES — Ron Parker, a longtime radio personality and programmer whose career included work at numerous major-market stations and years on SiriusXM, has died following a battle with cancer. His passing was reported Friday night, according to tributes from longtime colleagues and friends.
Parker built a notable career across some of the most prominent radio markets in the United States. His professional stops included WQXI/Z93 in Atlanta, WLCY in Tampa, KKBQ and KLDE in Houston, KFRC in San Francisco, ABC Radio in Dallas, WCBS-FM in New York and 94.7 WLS-FM in Chicago, where he worked afternoons. He also spent years entertaining listeners nationally through SiriusXM’s ’50s, ’60s and ’70s channels.
His accomplishments earned him recognition within the radio industry. Parker was named one of America’s five best Top 40 air personalities by Electronic Media in 1983. He was later inducted into both the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame, reflecting the significance of his work and influence across multiple markets.
Beyond his professional résumé, colleagues remembered Parker for his deep knowledge of music and his passion for broadcasting. Jaybeau Jones described him as someone who knew “every song intro, every song version, every mic setting,” while remembering their lengthy conversations about the radio business. Jones said Parker had worked with and known many of the industry’s notable figures and described him as someone who essentially embodied music radio.
Parker’s connection to oldies radio also extended to broadcasters and listeners beyond the stations where he worked. In a 1996 message, Parker wrote about his admiration for KOMA and its personalities Rickey the K and Tonto, recalling how he listened to the Oklahoma station while living in Houston. He praised the station and said every oldies station in America deserved Rickey the K.
Other radio professionals also shared memories following Parker’s death. Bryan Simmons recalled spending a week with Parker in Italy while Parker was at KFRC and Simmons was at KOST, describing their time together as an opportunity to talk extensively about radio. Simmons said the two remained in contact through Facebook over the years.
Parker was also remembered by Pat St John, who said they had worked together at CBS-FM in New York and later at SiriusXM. St John described Parker as “a true pro and a great guy.” GrayMary Shaw similarly recalled meeting Parker during an appearance at South Street Seaport and maintaining their connection through their shared love of oldies radio.
Parker’s death leaves behind a legacy spanning decades of American radio, from major-market terrestrial stations to nationally heard SiriusXM channels. While colleagues remember the career achievements, many also emphasized the person behind the microphone — a knowledgeable, funny and warm broadcaster whose passion for music and radio remained central to his life. Condolences go to Parker’s family, friends, colleagues and the many listeners who were touched by his work.
