The Christian community is mourning the recent passing of Ron Hembree, president of the Cornerstone TeleVision Network.

The 72-year-old author and evangelist passed away in his Murrysville, Pa. home last Thursday from an unknown cause.

"Encourager, teacher, godly example, and friend - all these and more can be said of Ron Hembree," said Dr. Frank Wright, President & CEO of NRB, in response to the news of Hembree's sudden passing.

"Loved and respected by many in the NRB, Ron's steady leadership and optimistic outlook will be sorely missed," Wright said.

Hembree's passion for God was reflected in all he did from his numerous of articles and books to one of his signature CTV programs, Quick Study. The show, which is still running after 20 years, has led countless viewers through the Bible in the span of one year.

"Everything he did in life revolved around ministry and his love for the Lord," son Chad Hembree said.

Richard Hatch, a local Christian media personality who hosted a show on CTV during the 1980s and had known Hembree for 25 years, described the evangelists as "the most godly" man he'd ever met.

"He had all the flaws of human nature, but I found no guile in him at all," Hatch told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "There was never anything on his mind except the Lord's work."

Hembree is survived by his wife, Cathy, his mother, Lucy, six children, and six grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled to be held at Cornerstone ministries in Delmont, Pa. on July 7 at 11:00 a.m.