After 53 years in the radio industry, Moon Mullins retired in June of 2014. For the last 10 years of his career, he co-hosted the morning show at WBKR with Chadwick Benefield.
In the days leading up to his final radio show, many country singers called Moon to wish him well in the next stage of his life. Moon was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2009 because of his incredible contribution to growing the country music genre and for his incredible humor, personality, and passion for his work.
According to WBKR, he has had a “variety of health problems” since his retirement and All Access reports that his grandson, Brent Ray Byrum, shared the sad news that he had passed away on Monday night (May 15).
“My beloved grandfather passed away last night,” he wrote, according to All Access. “I will see you up there come day. Lil then, look down on and guide me to be a great a [sic] man as you were. Love you dearly.”
His death is a huge blow to the country radio community, where he worked as Program Director in several different markets including Wichita, Louisville, Kansas City, and New York. He started out his career in Denver City, Texas and moved to Lubbock, Texas, then Kansas City.
Later in his career, he became a consultant with the Pollack Media Group and founded the music research company First Track of Nashville. Other highlights of his career include starting the Moon Mullins Company in 1995 and was the Country Program Director for Journal Broadcast Group.
No funeral arrangements have been announced yet. We will be praying for his family during this time. Take a listen to Reba McEntire’s call to Moon during one of his final shows to experience the greatness that was Moon Mullins.