Joe Bonsall, legendary member of The Oak Ridge Boys, has passed away at the age of 76.
Joe Bonsall was a beloved member of the country group The Oak Ridge Boys for more than 50 years. He announced his retirement in January 2024, citing health reasons. He wrote:
“Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”
Joe Bonsall died from complications of ALS
On the morning of July 9th, a press release confirmed that Joe had lost his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. The statement began:
“Joseph S. Bonsall (76) of Hendersonville, Tennessee passed on to Glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 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…”
Read the full statement in the post below.
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Per Joe’s request, there will be no funeral services held. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to pay tribute may make donations to The ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.
Joe Bonsall’s favorite hymn was “I Love To Tell The Story”
In a 2015 interview with Country Music Nation, Joe, who was devoted to the Christian faith, reflected on his personal favorite hymns. When asked how The Oak Ridge Boys made the song selections for their album Rock Of Ages: Hymns And Gospel Favorites, Joe shared that they had to make some difficult choices because there are so many wonderful hymns that have “stood the test of time.”
He added that his “absolute favorite old hymn” was “I Love To Tell The Story.” Hear Joe Bonsall sing it in the video below as we remember him!