Richard Dee, the beloved voice behind the airwaves, bid farewell to this world on February 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that resonates in the hearts of his listeners. With his passing, the voice of a true icon in the realm of local radio broadcasting is now silent.
Born to the union of Richard and Acquanetta Gadson Donnell on May 31, 1976, in Jackson, Tennessee, Richard Dee received his formative religious training and posted his lifetime membership at Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church in Jackson, where he participated in all aspects and activities of church life, including Sunday School, Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF), Angel and Junior Choir, Junior Steward Board, and Easter and Christmas celebrations. He later attended Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Pinson, Tennessee.
He received his early childhood education at St. Mary’s Catholic School, followed by attendance at Tigrett Jr. High, and Jackson-Central Merry High School, from which he graduated in 1994. He thereafter attended Lane College and graduated in 1999 with a baccalaureate degree in Communications.
While at Lane, he was elected the King of Homecoming in the fall of 1997. He obtained his first radio gig at WFKX-FM (Kix 96) in 1998 under the tutelage of radio station owner James E. Wolfe, Jr. From that moment, he was mesmerized by radio and was a popular air personality at Kix for several years. After his stint at Kix, he served as an on-air personality at WYJJ (Jammin’ Jackson 97.7), followed by his last and current tenure at Lane College radio station WLCD-FM (The Dragon 98.7). His on-air intro at Kix featured a bumpin’ rap song that included a call and response reprise…[What’s my name? Richard Dee. Where I’m from? Jackson, TN (pronounced Ten) that was a favorite of his fans each night. He repeated the popular intro at WLCD, and added a regular segment on his show with his mother, who he gave the moniker “DJ Neva Skrd” (pronounced Never Scared), where they interacted humorously with each other to the delight of his listeners across the airwaves each day. He served as his mother’s primary caregiver.
Richard Dee arrived into this world with a passion for music and an innate talent for connecting with people. He embarked on his journey as a radio air personality, captivating audiences with his infectious enthusiasm, wit, and warm personality. For 26 years, his voice was the soundtrack to countless lives, bringing joy, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie to all who tuned in.
Richard Dee arrived into this world with a passion for music and an innate talent for connecting with people. He embarked on his journey as a radio air personality, captivating audiences with his infectious enthusiasm, wit, and warm personality. For 26 years, his voice was the soundtrack to countless lives, bringing joy, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie to all who tuned in.
Beyond the music, Richard Dee used his platform to champion charitable causes and support local artists. His dedication to his listeners went beyond the confines of the studio, as he often participated in community events and engaged with fans on a personal level, earning him their unwavering loyalty and affection.
Whether it was in the evening at Kix, or in the afternoon at Jammin’ JJ and The Dragon, listeners found solace and companionship in Richard Dee’s broadcasts. His exciting voice had a way of easing the burdens of the day and uniting people from all walks of life through the universal language of music.
In addition to his contributions to the world of radio, Richard Dee will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and genuine love for others. He leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will live on in the memories of those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
In addition to his mother and father, Richard Dee is survived by his siblings, Essence, Noel, Jeslyn, and Acquanetta (Jr.) Donnell; Sidney and Cynthia Halton; and Ravone Littlejohn; nieces and nephews Ariel, Nadja and Travis Donnell, and Chris Campbell; and maternal aunt, Sandra Gadson Ramsey. Also included as survivors are his many friends, colleagues, and countless listeners whose lives he touched. He was preceded in transition by his paternal grandparents, J.D. and Mattie Donnell; his maternal grandparents, Cursie and Doris Gadson; and his paternal and maternal uncles, respectively, Willie “Billy Boy” Donnell and Cursie Gadson, Jr.
As we mourn the loss of a true radio legend, let us take comfort in knowing that Richard Dee’s voice will forever echo in our hearts, reminding us to embrace the power of music and the importance of spreading joy wherever we go. Though his voice has fallen silent, his legacy and spirit will continue to resonate eternally in the melodies of our memories.
