Hot Desert Knights Founder Dies

SEAFORD, Del. — Hot Desert Knights founder William Atkinson Gardner, better known as HDKBill, passed away this morning after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Garder passed away peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by family members.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Atkinson, his daughter Brandy, son Jason and granddaughter.

In 1998, Gardner started Hot Desert Knights, which produces adult entertainment for the gay community.

"Bill was the kind of guy who would quite literally give the shirt of his back and give it to you if you needed it... then offer his trousers," said Lee, Hot Desert Knights president.

"Bill's heart was always filled with compassion, a giving attitude and the wit that went beyond human comprehension. If you were down and out, he would cast miles of smiles and humorous 'one-liners' to pull you out of a downward spiral. He never once asked for anything back in return, always defining this as "the way we do it". He also gave open handedly to so many causes in the gay community; his generosity was astounding. We all miss him greatly."

A private memorial service will be held in Seaford, Del., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the AIDS Assistance Program, 1276 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Calif. 92262.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Industry Attorney Paul Cambria Retires After 50 Years of Practicing Law

After more than a half-century in practice, during which he provided the defense in some of the adult industry's most notable legal cases, attorney Paul Cambria has retired.

Cubbi Thompson Makes Her Hard X Debut

Cubbi Thompson has made her Hard X debut alongside 2024 XMAs Male Performer of the Year Zac Wild in the studio's latest release.

Penny Barber Stars in Latest From Girlsway

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Summer Col and Siouxsie Q in “Sneaky Checkup,” from Girlsway.

Ameena Green Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for November

Ameena Green is the Cover Honey for the November issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a centerfold spread shot by Ellen Stagg.

2026 XMA Nominations Party Set for Nov. 19 in Hollywood

The 2026 XMA nominations reveal party will take place at Keys on the Sunset Strip on Wednesday, Nov. 19, with red-carpet arrivals starting at 8 p.m.

New VR Membership Site 'DeepInSex.com' Launches

The new 8K VR membership site DeepInSex has officially launched.

Sarah Arabic Makes Her Evil Angel Debut

Sarah Arabic has made her debut for Evil Angel alongside director/performer Vince Karter.

Alexis James Makes Her MYLF Debut

Alexis James has made her MYLF debut alongside Axel Haze in the studio's latest AnalMom release.

NATS Launches Integrated Content Management System

Too Much Media (TMM) has rolled out an integrated, no-charge Content Management System (CMS) to its NATS platform.

Amy Nosferatu Stars in New Scene From Grooby

Amy Nosferatu returns to Grooby for a new solo scene, titled “Amy’s Afternoon.”

Show More