Area radio station owner dies

ASHEBORO — Fred Keith, a past owner of a Randolph County radio station, died May 13 at age 89.

Keith, who lived in Asheboro, was longtime owner of WKXR 1260-AM and WZOO-FM 94.6.

“A great gentleman,” station sports director Scott Faglier. “Mr. Keith loved radio.”

He first was approved for a radio station in Randolph County more than five decades ago.

Keith had been president of the Asheboro station, which has dual signals. His daughter, Dorothy Keith, has been overseeing station operations.

Faglier described Keith as “a man with few words, but the words he said meant so much.” Faglier announced Keith’s death on the air.

Faglier said Keith’s passion for local radio was clear.

“He knew it touches so many people,” Faglier said. “Sometimes people get lost without it.”

Earlier in his career, Keith lived in the Atlanta area and was CEO of Colonial Cartage Corp.

He’s survived by his wife, Judy, children Dorothy Keith and Joe Keith among others. A celebration of life will be held later this year.