R.I.P.: Mark Billingsley Of Kix 106 In Memphis

Mark Billingsley, a longtime on-air personality with country radio station WGKX 105.9 FM KIX 106, died Tuesday afternoon following several weeks of illness, the radio station announced.

"He was an extraordinary Memphis Tigers fan," said Alan Kirshbom, spokesman for the station's ownership group. "Just a gregarious, fun, outgoing guy. Everyone who came across him felt he was their best friend and they had known him for years."

Mark Billingsley

Billingsley, nicknamed "Memphis Mark," was on the air with the station for more than 20 years, according to The Memphis Commercial Appeal.

He suffered a medical emergency while doing his afternoon show at the station November 23 and was taken to the hospital, where he underwent brain surgery, Kirshbom said. He never regained consciousness and died at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis at age 53.

The station's program director Duane Shannon said Billingsley died surrounded by family and friends. Shannon said his colleague had a big personality and left a big impression. When he did broadcasts at live events, a crowd would gather around him.

When Billingsley signed off at the end of the day, he'd say something like, "I'm headed to my little piece of America in Fayette County."

By early Tuesday evening, more than 100 people had left comments honoring Billingsley on the station's Facebook page.