William "Bill" Hubert Elder, III

William “Bill” Hubert Elder III, 71, of Macon, Georgia passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The family will greet friends for a time of visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on March 6, 2026, in the Chapel of Hart’s Mortuary on Cherry Street. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on March 7, 2026, at Christ Church Episcopal, 582 Walnut Church, Macon, Georgia, with Reverend Harriet Simmons officiating. Burial will be private at Riverside Cemetery.

Bill was born on May 21, 1954, in Wantagh, New York, to the late William Hubert Elder, Jr. and Craig Carmichael Elder. To say that Bill was a “legend” on Macon radio is an understatement — he was in a class all by himself.

From humble beginnings, Bill was raised in a family devoted to their church; if the doors were open, they were there. As soon as the benediction was spoken, young Bill would race from the pews to the radio studio. His passion for broadcasting began early. His father's insurance agency was located in the historic Bankers Building (now Hotel Forty Five), and on weekends Bill would slip upstairs to the fifth floor, home of WMAZ Radio.

Weekend announcer Gary Guntor took Bill under his wing and taught him the basics of radio. When Gary left for WSB Radio, Bill was given the chance to take his place — a big responsibility for someone so young.

Still too young to drive, Bill worked long weekend shifts while his father waited faithfully in the car below. The early days were challenging. He felt nervous reading the news and sometimes struggled with unfamiliar Vietnamese names during the Vietnam War broadcasts. After six months, he was told he was “not a good fit.”

In 1971, Al Lowe Sr. gave Bill another opportunity at WNEX Radio, and from there his career began its steady climb. He further honed his craft at WVLD Radio in Valdosta and WBML Radio in Macon before rejoining WNEX full time.

On March 15, 1982, Bill launched what would become a legendary run on WMAZ-FM, later known to listeners as “99 Ways.” With the vision of General Manager Fred Newton, Bill took the morning drive slot and quickly rose to become Macon’s ratings leader — a position he held for two decades. His voice became the soundtrack of countless mornings, his wit and warmth filling homes, cars, and workplaces across Middle Georgia. Bill’s influence extended far beyond the airwaves. He mentored young broadcasters, supported local causes, and remained deeply grateful to the community that embraced him for so many years. Broadcasting was not just his career — it was his calling.

Bill is survived by his niece, Meredith Bailey Taylor (Jack Taylor, III); his nephews, Christopher Bailey (Keela) and Ron Woodford (Melissa); his great niece, Nell Taylor; his great nephews, Jack Taylor, IV, David Bailey, John Woodford, and William Woodford; and his godson, Nick Malloy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Craig and William Elder; brother, William Frank Elder; and his sister and brother-in-law whom he held dear to his heart, Joan Woodford (John).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Methodist Home for Children & Youth, P.O. Box 2525 Macon GA 31204, or Stratford Academy, 6010 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart’s Mortuary, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201, has charge of the arrangements.