Longtime radio personality Reese Rickards, best known as one-half of the iconic “Neal and Reese in the Morning” show on B-93, has passed away. He died Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026, following a sudden illness.
Rickards, alongside his longtime friend and on-air partner Neal Dionne, entertained country music fans across West Michigan for more than two decades. Together, the pair helped launch the station and set the tone for its success, becoming a staple of morning radio for a generation of listeners.
B-93 Program Director Dave Taft shared news of Rickards’ passing in a heartfelt tribute posted to the station’s Facebook page. Taft said Dionne contacted him on February 23 to say that Rickards had fallen ill and that “the outlook was not good.” A follow-up call the next morning confirmed that Rickards had died.
In his tribute, Taft reflected on Rickards’ passion for broadcasting and his dedication to the craft.
“When I first started at B-93, Reese would be the first person I would see each morning,” Taft wrote. “He’d come in with an excitement and passion you would be hard pressed to find among anyone who had to be to work by 4 in the morning. He was usually up hours before that as he loved what he did for a living.”
Rickards was described as a relentless news hound who lived and breathed storytelling. He constantly sought unique angles, strived to be first with breaking news, and had a knack for blending seriousness with humor. While committed to journalistic integrity, he was equally known for embracing silliness on air—a hallmark that endeared him to listeners.
Longtime fans may remember his playful “10-Foot Tall Chicken Day” parade broadcasts from Byron Center or the imaginative “B-93 Bomb Shelter” segments, where Rickards created an echo effect by placing a trash can over his head. These moments became part of station lore, showcasing his creativity and willingness to have fun.
“Reese and morning show partner Neal Dionne started this radio station,” Taft wrote. “For 20 some years they set the standard for the rest of us to follow. The best advice I remember was that ‘this isn’t rocket science, it’s radio.’ Just have stupid fun.’”
Dionne also shared a moving tribute, reflecting on their 30 years together in the studio.
“I lost an old friend today. We shared a radio studio for 30 years,” Dionne wrote. “Reese Rickards passed away this morning with his lovely wife Kim at his side. He will be remembered as a relentless news hound, creative talent and good man.”
He closed with a personal note: “Woodrow, we had us a time.”
Rickards’ impact extended beyond the microphone. He played a key role in signature station events such as Birthday Bash celebrations and community initiatives like the B-93 Roofsit for Kids and the “93 Town” caravans. Colleagues say he offered mentorship, leadership, and unwavering encouragement to those who followed in his footsteps.
Listeners across West Michigan are remembering not just a broadcaster but a familiar morning voice who helped shape their daily routines for decades.
Rickards is survived by his wife, Kim, and his family. Colleagues and friends are asking the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.
For many, Reese Rickards’ voice was the soundtrack of their mornings. His legacy—marked by passion, creativity, and joy—will continue to echo across the airwaves he helped build.
