Tag: Obituary

Dr. James Dobson, Influential Christian Leader and Founder of Focus on the Family, Dies at 89

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Dr. James Dobson, one of the most influential Christian leaders of the past half-century and founder of Focus on the Family, died Thursday morning, August 21, 2025, at the age of 89. His passing was announced by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI).

A psychologist by training, Dobson dedicated his life to strengthening marriages, guiding parents, and defending biblical values, championing the family as the cornerstone of society. Through decades of broadcasting, writing, and public advocacy, he became a towering voice in American evangelicalism and a driving force behind the rise of conservative Christian engagement in politics.

Dobson founded Focus on the Family in Arcadia, California, in 1977, before relocating its headquarters to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1991. The move helped establish Colorado Springs as a hub for evangelical ministries and influence. Under his leadership, the organization grew into one of the largest evangelical ministries in the world.

At its height, the Focus on the Family daily radio program aired on more than 4,000 stations across North America and reached audiences in over 160 countries, translated into 27 languages. The show became one of the most widely heard faith-based broadcasts globally.

Dobson’s impact extended beyond the church into the halls of power. A significant figure in the 1980s movement to integrate conservative Christian ideals into American politics, he advised or counseled five U.S. presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. In 1985, he interviewed President Reagan in the Oval Office, and during the Trump administration, he served on the Evangelical Executive Advisory Board.

In addition to Focus on the Family, Dobson helped establish the Family Research Council in the early 1980s, a Christian think tank that remains influential in policy debates on faith and family.

Dobson authored more than 70 books, many of which became staples in Christian homes. His bestsellers included The New Dare to Discipline and When God Doesn’t Make Sense. His work earned him recognition as a New York Times best-selling author and induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Even after stepping away from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson continued his mission through the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI), where he hosted Family Talk. The nationally syndicated program airs on 1,500 stations and reaches more than half a million listeners weekly, ensuring that his voice continued to influence new generations.

Dr. Dobson is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their children Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren.

John MacArthur, Influential US Pastor and Author, Dies at 86

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DAVID INGRAM

John MacArthur Jr., one of the most influential and polarizing figures in American evangelicalism, passed away on Monday. His death was announced by Phil Johnson, the longtime director of MacArthur’s media ministry. The announcement was confirmed by Grace to You, the ministry MacArthur founded and led for decades, which posted on its website, “After dealing with some significant health challenges dating back to early 2023, our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has gone to be with Christ..”

MacArthur’s final years were marked by a series of serious health challenges. In early July 2025, he was hospitalized with pneumonia, following years of heart and lung surgeries. Tom Patton, an associate pastor at Grace Community Church, had previously informed the congregation that MacArthur’s recovery from three major surgeries in the second half of 2024 was “slower than expected,” with complications affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys. In recent months, it became increasingly evident that his time was drawing to a close.

John MacArthur’s ministry career spanned nearly six decades. In 1969, he became the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he remained until his death. Under his leadership, the church grew into a flagship of conservative evangelicalism.

MacArthur’s influence extended far beyond the walls of his church. Through his Grace to You radio ministry, launched in the 1970s, he reached a global audience. Today, the program broadcasts in nine languages across more than 2,400 radio stations worldwide. His teaching, marked by a meticulous, verse-by-verse expository preaching style, earned him the reputation as “the world’s premier expositor.”

Pastor MacArthur wrote or edited hundreds of books, Bible commentaries, and theological works. His MacArthur Study Bible, first published in 1997, remains a staple in evangelical circles, with more than four million copies sold. He also founded and led The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary, institutions dedicated to training pastors and Christian leaders in his theological tradition.

His ministry’s slogan, “Unleashing God’s Truth, One Verse at a Time,” encapsulated his commitment to a literal, inerrant, and authoritative interpretation of scripture, an approach that shaped generations of pastors and laypeople.

While revered by many for his uncompromising theological stance and dedication to biblical exposition, MacArthur’s legacy is also marked by controversy. He was a central figure in the resurgence of Calvinist doctrine in the United States and a vocal critic of cultural and theological movements he viewed as incompatible with biblical Christianity.

MacArthur openly opposed feminism, LGBTQ politics, and the teaching of evolution. In later years, he took combative positions in America’s cultural battles, condemning critical race theory and denouncing what he called “wokeness.”

Despite controversies, John MacArthur’s impact on American evangelicalism is undeniable. His unwavering commitment to expository preaching, church leadership, and theological education shaped the faith and practice of countless Christians worldwide.

MacArthur is survived by Patricia, his wife of 61 years, their four children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In the wake of his death, Grace to You affirmed its mission remains unchanged: “As the Lord sustains this work, Grace to You will always and only distribute the Bible teaching of John MacArthur.”

John MacArthur was 86.

Squire Parsons, Gentle Voice of “Sweet Beulah Land,” Dies at 76

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JEFF TURNER

Squire Parsons, whose rich baritone became synonymous with heartfelt gospel music, died Monday after suffering a heart attack.

Parsons leaves a legacy reaching far beyond the Southern Gospel stage. Born in Newton, West Virginia, in 1948, Parsons was steeped in music and faith from childhood. His father, a choir director and deacon, taught him the fundamentals of singing using shape notes-a tradition that would shape Parsons’ musical journey and ministry.

Courtesy YouTube: Trinity Baptist Church, Ashville, NC

After earning a degree in music from West Virginia Institute of Technology, Parsons served as a high school teacher and church music director before joining the renowned Kingsmen Quartet in 1975 as their baritone singer. The Kingsmen Monday night posted to facebook, “A true gentleman larger than life, Squire Parsons was loved by the Kingsmen and literal millions. Join us as we extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Parsons Family during this time of loss.”

Though singing was a passion for Parsons, it was his songwriting-and especially his signature anthem, “Sweet Beulah Land”-that cemented his place in gospel history. Inspired by memories of his father leading congregational singing, Parsons penned the song in a moment of spiritual reflection, and it quickly became a beloved classic, sung at countless church services and special occasions across the nation.

Courtesy YouTube

Parsons’ catalog includes hundreds of songs such as “Master of the Sea,” “He Came to Me,” and “I Call It Home.” His music, marked by tenderness and spiritual conviction, has won him numerous accolades, including Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Baritone and Songwriter, as well as the respect of peers and fans alike.

Despite health challenges that led to his retirement from touring in 2019, Parsons continued to write and minister, often accompanied on stage by his son, Sam. He remained dedicated to projects close to his heart, such as setting the Psalms to music, further enriching the gospel repertoire.

The first time I met Squaire in person was at a concert in Nederland, Texas. I don’t remember the year, but It was probably around 1988. I was recently out of college, had no money and looked kind of scrappy. After I interviewed him for KDLF radio, a station that is no longer on the air, we talked about his past as a band director, Gospel music, and about Gospel radio. He gave me one of his latest CDs and encouraged me to continue in Gospel music.

Parsons once said he wanted to be remembered as “just an old sinner saved by grace who loved to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ through music”. His songs, especially “Sweet Beulah Land,” continue to offer comfort and hope, ensuring that his gentle voice and message continue for generations.

Squire Parsons was 76.

Gospel Musician and Evangelist Nancy Harmon Passes Away

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AMY TURNER

Nancy Harmon, renowned gospel musician and evangelist known for her passionate ministry and musical contributions, has died. Her passing was announced early this morning by her ministry, with her death occurring around 4 a.m.

A Facebook post by her ministry says, “Although my heart is broken, what rejoicing is going on right now in the Heavenlies. Our beautiful Nancy Harmon made her home going this morning around 4 a.m. No more pain, no more Alzheimer, no more struggles…nothing but joy and peace. I will miss you all my days, but I’ll see you soon. Go rest high, Love Special Lady! Arrangements will be made at a later date. Right now we are simply resting and thanking God for this beautiful gift.”

Harmon was a lifelong musician who dedicated her career to religious music and ministry. Beginning her musical journey at age 18, she played the organ in churches across multiple cities, including Kansas City, Missouri, and later expanded her ministry to locations such as San Jose, California, Portland, Oregon, and the Dallas Fort Worth area.

In 2022, Harmon received recognition for her contributions when she was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kenneth Copeland Bible College. She was particularly known for her song “More Than Anything in My Life,” which was said to capture her deep spiritual devotion.

Throughout her career, Harmon was supported by prominent religious leaders, including Pastors George and Terri Pearsons at Eagle Mountain Church and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. Her ministry emphasized music as a vehicle for spiritual teaching and guidance.

Harmon believed her musical calling was predetermined, stating that God placed a song in her heart from the moment of her birth. She was remembered for her compassionate approach to ministry and her ability to touch people’s lives through music and faith.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date by her ministry.