Rick Zeisig
Richard William Zeisig, Jr., known affectionately as Rick Zeisig, award winning radio and television personality (and Moon Pie Eating Champion) departed this world at the age of 61 from throat cancer on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
He was surrounded by his beloved wife Margaret and children Grace and Rowdy.
Rick was born on July 20th, 1962 in Akron, Ohio where he was adopted by his devoted parents, Rosalie and Richard "Dick" William Zeisig Sr. and sister Mary Alice Frei.
Rick knew he wanted to be on the radio since he was in the sixth grade and was blessed to have a 40+-year career in broadcasting thanks to the help of Jeanne and Jeff Burr and Ron and Faye Arnold. He spent the vast majority of his radio career in North Georgia, Atlanta, and Chattanooga.
Rick’s hobbies included hiking, traveling, and getting a large iced hazelnut mocha with friends at Casa Del Cafe. For 30 years he was under the Friday night lights of Harmon Field/Bill Chappell Stadium as the voice of the Catamounts for Dalton High School Football was a point of pride that he then passed on to his children. Rick also moonlighted as the resident disc jockey for most locals' first and second weddings. Rick loved being around family and friends which is reflected in his ability to bring the entire family together to be his press box team for home games and hosting Georgia Traveler Live with Margaret.
In 2003, Dalton proclaimed “Rick Zeisig Day'' to celebrate decades in broadcasting and community engagement. If you know Rick, he shared his stories and cancer journey with everyone through his Facebook page Rickontheradio, RickyZ TV (featuring his beloved cat Carlos), and Nashville Country Club. His voice will be remembered by many for his iconic delivery on Friday nights, “Man in the white hat says CATAMOUNT, FIRST DOWN”!
Memorial services will be Thursday, December 7, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Honorary Pallbearers include Sherwood Jones, Bobby Pike, Lamar McClure, Greg Davis, Bob Giammanco, Michelle Giammanco, Ray Broaderick, Annette Daniel, Amy Davison, Patti Silvers, Angela Asbury, Kim Bolden, Lydia Brink, Skye Finch, Marissa Ramirez, Carlos Ramirez, Viviana Ramirez, Kim Richards, and Jodi Mealer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way of Northwest Georgia’s Endowment. Rick and Margaret encourage everyone to consider the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to avoid this devastating cancer.
Shawn Chapman Funeral Home in Chatsworth, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.