David Ring Obituary, KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Evangelist David Ring has died, according to an update shared publicly by his sister, Jo Ruth Ring. “He passed away today. He’s at rest,” she wrote in a social media post announcing his death. Specific details about the circumstances and exact date of his passing were not provided.
Ring was widely known for his Christian ministry and for speaking openly about living with cerebral palsy. His condition did not prevent him from pursuing his calling as an evangelist, and people who knew his ministry described him as someone who continued preaching despite the challenges he faced.
In a personal account shared about his determination, Ring recalled beginning the process of regaining his driver’s license after being told by a woman at the DMV that he would not get his license back. At 72 years old, he said he completed both the written and road tests successfully without studying from the manual.
Ring also spoke about living with cerebral palsy and the determination that had carried him throughout his life. His testimony centered on his Christian faith and his belief that his physical condition should not define the limits of what he could accomplish.
News of his death followed concern among friends and fellow members of the Christian community after Ring was scheduled to preach in Knoxville but did not appear. A social media post from Daniel Ledford said Ring had been expected to preach Sunday morning and had not checked into his hotel the previous night. Friends initially asked others to pray for him and help reach members of his family.
Other posts reflected the respect and affection many people had for Ring and his ministry. James Robertson described Ring as an “amazing testimony,” recalling that he had preached for many years despite his condition. Jerry Mitchell also shared a tribute before later correcting the post after learning that the initial information about Ring’s death had not been verified.
Ring had also publicly faced significant health challenges in the months before his death. In a July health update shared by DeWayne Howard, Ring was quoted as saying he had spent another night in the emergency room and was experiencing serious heart problems, including two blocked arteries. He asked people to continue praying for his health.
As family, friends and members of the faith community mourn his passing, Ring is being remembered for the testimony he shared through his life, his determination and his years of Christian ministry. His family has confirmed that he is now at rest, while additional details about funeral arrangements and the circumstances of his death had not been released in the information provided.
