Late Beloved Atlanta DJ Was 'Godfather Of Southern Soul': Family

UNION CITY, GA — Atlanta's "The Blues Doctor" was a man of soul.

Those who knew the late Ron Donald say he was a lover of music with a heart of gold and was the "Godfather of Southern Soul."

Donald, a 67-year-old air shifter for Atlanta's WRFG 89.3 FM, died June 11 after battling congestive heart failure since 2016, his daughter, Amanda Donald, told Patch.

While it hasn't been confirmed that Donald died of a heart attack, he had been having complications during the last couple of months, Amanda Donald said. He is set to be buried this weekend.

"He was just an awesome guy," Amanda Donald said.

About Ron

Donald, a Prichard, Alabama, native had nine siblings. He became enamored with music at a young age, his daughter said.

"He started DJ'ing in the sixth grade," Amanda Donald said. "He and my mother are divorced but became best friends over the years. They had three children together: my brothers and I."

Donald relocated to Atlanta where he became a promoter and southern soul DJ. His career took off in 1995, when he was a DJ for clubs The 20 Grand and The Atrium.

Then, he spent at least 25 years volunteering as an air shifter at WRFG 89.3 FM Atlanta.

"He was the first DJ to bring southern soul music to FM radio in Atlanta," Amanda Donald said. "His work in this industry led him to become 'The Godfather of Southern Soul.'"

According to the Atlanta Blues Society, Donald was an air shifter at "Good Morning Blues" and hosted the Friday morning radio show.

"He highlighted southern soul blues and was involved with many festivals and shows in the Atlanta area. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his daughter, Amanda. ... Ron was a sweet soul and will be missed greatly," the society said in a statement.

WRFG said in an Instagram post Donald would curate southern soul and blues music from independent and legendary musicians.

On Friday, the radio station honored Donald by allowing people close to him to go on the air to share memories and pay their respects on his "Good Morning Blues" show.

"His contributions to our community and WRFG cannot be overstated. Long live The Blues Doctor," the radio station said in the post.

WRFG's Larry "Stagga Lee Henzel" Eaglin told Patch Donald was more than a colleague. He was a dedicated comrade and friend.

Eaglin added Donald was supportive of his endeavors and was a sharp dresser who always had an inside joke and a "sly grin."

"He even selflessly volunteered to be a pallbearer during my mother's funeral held at the same location as his viewing," Eaglin said. " He truly had a heart of gold. We're going to miss him immensely."

Amanda Donald's most cherished memory of her father is his sense of humor. She also remembers helping him with WRFG fundraisers.

"Thinking about him and how funny he was is helping me through this difficult process," she said. "I miss hanging out with him."

She said Donald was the person who taught her how to laugh and exude confidence. He showed her how to not be insecure.

Donald was a mentor to several people and he exemplified love, his daughter said.

He garnered a number of awards for his work in the music industry, including The President's Volunteer Service Award signed by President Joe Biden in February, Amanda Donald said. The award was presented to Donald by the National Black Radio Hall of Fame.

"My dad is a star, and he believed that," Amanda Donald said. " ... I’m an extension of him, and I’m so happy that he is my dad."

Donald's death was unexpected prompting her to start a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs. The targeted goal is $20,000.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Dortch-Williamson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1410 Highway 138 Southwest in Riverdale.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at Light of Joy Church, 7458 Highway 85 in Riverdale. A graveside service will follow at Lakeside Memorial Gardens, 7780 Ono Road in Palmetto.

"I want my dad to be remembered for his love and his dedication to his family and to his community," Amanda Donald said. "I want him to be remembered for his contribution to southern soul."