Fredrick (Buddy) King, 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Carolina Arbors in Durham, NC on September 7, 2023.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Diane; his sister, Karen (Manuel) Pacheco; and his two stepsons, Gavin (Kerri) Hagens and Ryan (Blair) Hagens.

Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community. His cheerful attitude and bright smile will be missed at the many parades, parties, gatherings, concerts, and events where Buddy DJ'd, played guitar, and took videos. He created many wonderful memories for our whole community to enjoy and share.

Buddy was born on November 6, 1950, in Sharon, Pennsylvania. His dad was a "lifer" in the Air Force, and Buddy was raised on Air Force bases. He spent his early teenage years in Panama, where his dad was stationed. He went to high school in Fairborn, OH - close to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Buddy began working "full-time" as an on-air radio DJ when he was only a junior in high school. He was a DJ in the military during the Vietnam War, where he served on an Air Force Base in Thailand - and did that "Good Morning Vietnam" thing. After he was honorably released from active duty in July 1974, Buddy moved to South Bend, Indiana where he continued his DJ career. He was the #1 DJ at the #1 radio station for many years.

Buddy retired in 2016 and moved with his wife, Diane, to the Carolina Arbors. They both agree that it was the best move they ever made.

Buddy had a gift for connecting with people. No matter the setting, he had a way of making everyone feel special and important. He touched many lives through his amazing wit and on-air charm. He was truly the best DJ you have ever heard.

As noted in an email that Buddy received recently from his Vietnam war pal, Steve Steinberg: "Something you mentioned a while back stuck with me and got me thinking. You said something along the lines of me being the 'smart one.' I’m not sure I agree with you a hundred percent. No, my old friend, I was just the one who happened to go to college. YOU were the smart one—and also the truly talented and funny one. I remember being blown away by your maturity, not to mention the fact that you were one of the coolest people I'd ever met. When you sift through your memories, I hope you realize how much you truly accomplished. What you've done over the years is not just entertaining people; you've connected thousands upon thousands of them with their own treasured memories through the tunes you played. You've helped so many people get through the day, and that's a considerable feat. I think that you're leaving behind wonderful memories of you—for all the people who looked forward each day to when Buddy King was on the air. You've truly earned a spot in heaven, and I think you'll probably get an upgrade when you arrive. You're the best of us all, mi amigo. Peace and love to you."