Oak Ridge Boys Bonsall, Self-Proclaimed ‘Light for Christ,’ Dead at 76
A tenor with the famed Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Bonsall, has died. The Country Hall of Famer was 76.
The longtime singer died Tuesday from complications due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Bonsall retired from touring about six months ago, after announcing he had been diagnosed with the aforementioned disorder five years prior, according to The Tennesseean.
“Bonsall, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed on to glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,” his family said in a statement. “He leaves behind his precious wife, Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. Bonsall, Sr., and Lillie Bonsall.”
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
In addition to being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bonsall was a member of the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
The late singer also has a memoir, “I See Myself,” slated for release in November.
“Joe loved to sing,” the family’s statement continued. “He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies. But Jesus and his family always came first—and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”
Bonsall was over the years very open and comfortable talking about his faith in Jesus.
In a 2015 interview with Bible Gateway, the country singer-songwriter said he was at ease talking openly about his Christian beliefs.
“I have never found it difficult to be a light for Christ,” he said. “I don’t think it’s any more difficult than doing anything else with your life. There are always temptations and Satan is everywhere. The battle between doing what is right or slipping away is everyone’s personal decision, no matter what their vocation.”
To read the full story, visit our content partners at CBN News.
Reprinted with permission from cbn.com. Copyright © 2024 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
