by Mark Smiley
Ricky King
Ricky King, a DJ at Glendale’s Shotgun Willie’s for 30 years, and a Glendale City Councilman from 2005-2014, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 62. After battling health issues that landed King in the hospital on a couple of occasions, he died of cardiac disease at AdventHealth Parker Hospital.
King will be remembered as a kind and generous person, and everyone who came in contact with him, took a liking to him. Growing up in Kansas, King had a Midwestern charm to him which is a large part of why there is an outpouring of support on social media.
A longtime friend and colleague, Rob Reese posted: “35 years of sharing DJ booths and microphones… from our days at PT’s San Antonio in 1990, to Shotgun Willie’s. You were a damn good soul with a big heart and a legendary voice. You were loved by all and will live on in legend and legacy among all of us who knew and loved you. Rest easy my friend… we’ll keep the show going in your memory.”
Many chimed in calling King “the voice of Shotgun’s.” If you stopped in on what the club calls Country Mondays, you would hear King bellowing out the next performer’s name and what stage she should report to.
“He was a decent human being who was full of honor and honesty,” said Deborah Dunafon, owner of Shotgun Willie’s. “He was a great team member who supported everyone around him and was always there when you needed him. I was proud to have considered him a friend and I have never met a more sincere person.”
King was considered a leader in his community, especially the eight years he served on city council in Glendale. He was also a devout Glendale Chamber of Commerce member. “I had enormous respect for Ricky,” said Jeff Allen, Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce COO. “He was always willing to lend a hand and help where needed. He was truly an authentic guy. He will be missed in our business community.”
King is survived by his wife Beth and son Wahaj. Ricky King’s celebration of life was held on June 25 where many of his friends and family gathered to tell stories of a man they all loved and admired.
