Longtime Central Georgia Radio Host Bill Elder Dies at 71

Elder was a member of the Radio Hall of Fame and spent decades on the air in Macon and across the region.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Bill Elder, a longtime radio personality in Central Georgia, has died at the age of 71, according to his family. Elder had a storied career in radio, starting at WMAZ as a high school sophomore and later working at stations like WNEX and 99 WAYS in Macon over the course of his decades-long career. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and was known for bringing joy and laughter to his listeners.

Why it matters

Elder's passing marks the end of an era for radio in Central Georgia, as he was a beloved and iconic figure in the local media landscape for generations. His career spanned the golden age of terrestrial radio, and he was instrumental in shaping the sound and culture of the Macon radio market.

The details

Bill Elder was born in Wantagh, New York but grew up in Macon, Georgia. From a young age, he was passionate about radio, building a studio in his basement as a child and getting his radio license at age 15. Elder landed his first radio job at WMAZ while still in high school, and went on to work at several other stations in Macon and Valdosta over the course of his career, including long stints at WNEX and 99 WAYS. He was known for his ability to connect with listeners and make them smile.

  • Elder got his radio license at age 15.
  • Elder landed his first radio job at WMAZ while still in high school.
  • Elder worked at WNEX in Macon starting in 1974.
  • Elder worked at 99 WAYS (formerly WBML) in Macon for 18 years until his retirement in 2000.
  • Elder passed away on February 15, 2026 at the age of 71.

The players

Bill Elder

A longtime radio personality in Central Georgia who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. He spent decades on the air at stations like WMAZ, WNEX, and 99 WAYS, and was known for his ability to connect with listeners and bring them joy.

Meredith Taylor

Elder's niece, who confirmed his passing and spoke about his lifelong love of radio.

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What they’re saying

“He got his radio license at 15 and would do that before going out to school each day. It was his love.”

— Meredith Taylor, Elder's niece

“I don't think there was anything he enjoyed more than making people smile, making people laugh; he just wanted to bring joy to people.”

— Meredith Taylor, Elder's niece

What’s next

Over the next two days, the station plans to provide further details on Elder's life and career in radio.

The takeaway

Bill Elder's passing marks the end of an era for radio in Central Georgia, as he was a beloved and iconic figure who spent decades entertaining listeners across the region. His lifelong passion for radio and ability to connect with his audience left an indelible mark on the local media landscape.