R.I.P.: Central NY Radio Personality Ron Bee Has Died

Ron Bee with former partner Becky Palmer

Central New York radio veteran Ron Bee died early Wednesday morning, according to
syracuse.com.

He had been battling leukemia.

Bee spent nearly 35 years on the Central New York radio waves. Early in his career, he made a name as part of the "Rick & Ron" duo on WOLF 1490 AM. Most recently, he enjoyed a long run as a morning host on WBBS B104.7 FM with Becky Palmer. In 2004, the duo received one of the nation's top honors: A Country Music Association Award for Best Radio Personality.

Bee was forced into retirement in 2007 after a car accident and resulting surgery permanently damaged his vocal cords. He moved to Phoenix, Ariz. with his family.

Last spring, Bee was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. He attributed the sickness to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Vietnam War.

He opted for a stem cell transplant -- a complicated procedure, but one that could have given him several more years. Bee went to Seattle, Wash., earlier this year to undergo the procedure. He said last September that one in three patients who undergo the surgery don't make it out of the hospital.

The transplant was unsuccessful.