Robyn Gool, senior pastor of Victory Christian Center in Charlotte, died Friday, the church announced.
No cause of death was given, but the church said in a statement on its website Sunday that Gool "had been ill for a little while."
The church cited his legacy as one of faith and service, which included his ministry, a shelter for homeless women, schooling, community outreach to those in need, and more.
In a message to the Victory Christian Center church family Sunday, his wife Marilyn Gool thanked those who reached out to the family and supported them during Pastor Gool's illness. She also talked about his commitment to preaching even as his health deteriorated.
"Some may wonder why Robyn came to preach the last few Sundays as his condition worsened and he was at home most of the time," she said. "Sunday morning was a time to look forward to his favorite thing to do: teaching and preaching the word of God. I couldn't take that from him..."
"We rejoice with him and weep for ourselves because his departure is a great loss to the body of Christ," she said.
The church announced that a "Celebration of Life" service for Gool will be held on Monday, Nov. 28. No additional information was available early Sunday, but the church said details will be posted at this link when finalized.
In addition to his wife, Gool is survived by daughters Marilyn Joi White and Sanchia Chapman and their families. His son, Robyn Johms Gool, died in 2020.
Gool and his wife founded Victory Christian Center in 1980. According to the church history, "the first service was held in a warehouse 11 miles outside of Charlotte with 64 people in attendance."
In addition to the non-denominational church, the Gools founded Victory Christian Center School in 1989 for preschool and K-12 Christian-based education. In 1991, they started the More Than Conquerors College, which is described on the website as a private post-secondary institution for "academic and spiritual study."
