Arrangements: Gospel Pioneer Dr. Ron Kenoly Passes Away at 81

By iPraiseRadio.com Staff Powered by @GospelNewsroom on YouTube

The gospel music community is mourning the loss of a true legend. Dr. Ron Kenoly, the renowned worship leader, singer, and songwriter whose music defined a generation of praise, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He was 81 years old +1.

According to his family and ministry associates, Dr. Kenoly died of natural causes related to age and long-term health challenges, including heart and breathing issues that had limited his travel in recent years .

A Legacy of Worship

For decades, Ron Kenoly was a towering figure in contemporary Christian music. His high-energy style, blending gospel, R&B, and Caribbean rhythms, broke down cultural barriers and brought a new sound to churches worldwide. Albums like Jesus Is Alive, Lift Him Up, and God Is Able became global anthems, influencing countless worship leaders and congregations.

His longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, paid touching tribute to his mentor, stating: “Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader” .

Final Arrangements

Memorial services are being planned in both Florida, where he resided since 1999, and California, where his ministry first flourished .

Many churches are also organizing special tribute services to honor his life and legacy, incorporating his timeless songs into their worship sets in the coming weeks .

Dr. Kenoly is survived by his wife, Tavita, and his three sons, Samuel, Ronald, and Tony, who have all followed in his musical footsteps +1.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Kenoly family and the millions of lives he touched.

For more updates on the official homegoing celebration, stay tuned to @GospelNewsroom on YouTube