Jonathan Pierce, formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band, died of pancreatic cancer in 2010. Name Born Age Birth_Place Died; Kadur, Paul: 02/12/1926: 80: Laubau, Germany: 12/30/2006 Be comforted in the legacy your love one left and the heritage that is yours. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer, complicated by heart problems and a stroke. "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." He was a blessing to us with his smiles and his singing. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. However, Stephens legacy lives on in many of the singers he performed with. Stephen was a gentle giant with a kind, soft-spoken nature and a tenor voice as versatile as it was beautiful. It was a priviledge to have known Jake. The Gaither Vocal Band also lost Mark Lowry, the original tenor in the Bill Gaither Trio. May the comfort of God be with Becky, Chris, and Jake Jr. during their loss. I dont remember any cross word, ever, she noted. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. I can't think of a time that I saw him when he wasn't smiling or crying tears of joy. The Homecoming family is extremely sad to announce that our dear friend, Stephen Hill, passed away suddenly on Sunday evening, August 5. As a small child, Burger fell onto a furnace grate and was burned on his hands, legs and face. To all the Hess family and especially Jake Jr.: You shared your dad and granddad with the world. I will never know or feel the depth of your loss, but know my prayers are being offered for all of you to have comfort and peace. Jake, you have run a good race, you have fought a good fight. Gospel Music has lost many great singers lately, Jake was one of the best. Burger is survived by his wife, LuAnn, two sons and a daughter. I remember hearing Jake sing and being in awe of his marvelous tenor voice! In an October 2005 interview with Crosswalk, Jones said that the lead character from her fictional novels, Savannah, is a huge fan of Pierces music. The trio performed at an evangelistic service in Alexandria, Virginia, and toured throughout the surrounding area. Paul Wohlford, 79, was our neighbor for several years. In 2000, Pierces solo album, Sanctuary, made it to No. He was a tool and die maker at Delco-Remy, formerly of Anderson for 32 years retiring in 1972. There may be many who will imitate Jake, but there will never be another Jake Hess. always looked forward to watching the Bill Gaither Homecoming programs and listen to Jake Hess. I used to go to the wings when the. After the band split in 1967, McSpadden became pastor of a large nondenominational church in Fort Worth, Texas. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Since He, Denver Doy, Jim And Hovie sang out of Atlanta. Popular Southern Gospel Pianist Jeff Stice Passes Away. The Gaither Vocal Band has lost another member in the form of Gary McSpadden. In December 1999, Pierce took his talents to musical theater, appearing in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. McSpaddens smooth voice and good looks were his trademark during his years with the trio and vocal band. Dr. Ben Lacy Speer, age 86, passed away on April, 7, 2017. Jake Hess was one of the most gracious men we ever had the pleasure of meeting. Our deepest sympathy to each member of his family. Danny was a college student, and Mary Ann was in the sixth grade. He was a founding member of the National Quartet Convention and received a Life Achievement Award from SESAC. You will be missed here but we know you are enjoying the presence of Jesus as never before. Joining with Hovie Lister, he began a magical 15 years in which the legendary group recorded for RCA Victor, sang on network television, created one of the earliest syndicated TV shows and blessed audiences all over the country. In 1977, Jake sang at Elvis' funeral, just as he had at services for Hank Williams in 1953. Jake will be greatly missed by all of us. Burger, who lived near Nashville in Brentwood, Tenn., released many albums and videos of his piano music. He was so talented that he later toured with the band and performed in front of the Iron Lady. He was a graduate of Alexandria High School-Class of 1932. Werner Grossmann obituary. Please keep the family in prayer as they cope with this sudden, tragic loss. What a joy to hear Jake sing down through the years. I had seen Jake in Macon, Ga., in 1955 with The Statesmen! He was 55 years old. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Me, Nashville, TN. We were blessed to be at the lay out early and to stay late. Gary sang with the Gaither organization for a decade before leaving to concentrate on a solo career and other music industry aspects. Stephen was in the middle of a sound check before a solo concert in Lumberton, North Carolina, when he suffered a massive heart attack that took his life. Jake in a casual manner and loved him andthe music he shaared with the world. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Jonathan Pierce, who spent three years with The Imperials and three years with the Gaither Vocal Band, was remembered with affection by the Southern Gospel community. Danny and Mary Ann had three children together. I was able to meet him at the NQC that year and have a picture made. Love Harry and Sue Ikner, MAY THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD BE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JAKE,HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL, BUT NOW HE IS WITH THE ONES HE LOVE MOST ,JESUS AND JOYCE,AND MAY HE FOREVER BE HAPPY AND FREE OF PAIN,AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE GREAT RE-UNION OF ALL HIS LOVED ONES IN THE FURTURE. He never dreamed there would be more songs to sing. His wife, Carol, has made a tribute to her husbands memory, while his sister Cheryl Kartsonakis has shared a touching message. (Grace Church of the Nazarene is located across from The Opry /Opryland Hotel. Thank you for sharing Jake with us. 35 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums chart. He was also a soloist, writer, and television host. In addition to Vestal Goodman, Gary McSpadden, Jonathan Pierce, and Stephen Hill, Gaither has lost several other members of its vocal band. NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Gospel music pianist Anthony Burger, who played for the popular Gaither Homecoming shows and earned Dove Award nominations for his albums of instrumental . He was a brilliantly talented artist and always a friend.. Jake Hess. about 11:30am, finding cars and folks everywhere. Sincerely, Barbara Cowart Bush. January 27, 2000. Dear Hess Family, Thanks for sharing so much of his life with us. Head of East Germany's foreign intelligence service who helped to recruit 1,500 West German spies during the cold war. I have loved Jake's singing for 50 years. Over the course of two days, more than a dozen Homecoming friends will gather for the first live concert video-taping in more than a decade. One day, Bill Gaither arrived at the Nashville studio where Paschal was recording and invited her to be the soloist for the Gaither Homecoming Tour. WE WILL MISS JAKE'S SMILING FACE ON THE HOMECOMING VIDEOS. During his stint with the Gaither Trio, the original Gaither Vocal Band was formed with him as the groups first lead singer. Dear Hess Family I enjoyed your dad's music and singing with the gaithers so much an I even got a chance to meet and talk to both of your parents at failyfest before your mom died.My prayers are with you . "Chris", remember coming to Mt. Please enable it to continue. A pastor by training, McSpadden, had a musical relationship with the Gaithers beginning in 1977 when he joined the Gaither Trio alongside Bill and Gloria Gaither. (0) 2009. So sorry to hear of his passing. Music video by Jonathan Pierce performing "I Believe in Christ". He completed his Earthly assignment on August 5 at the age of 55. CMD / Spring House / Gaither Music Group. Artists who have been on Gaither Homecoming Videos Alphabetical by last name For Names of Groups who have been on Gaither Homecoming VideosCLICK HERE Deceased artists have date of death following their name Another member of the Gaither Vocal Band who has passed away is Jake Hess. Buddy Greene) [Live], There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood (Live), When the Saints Go Marching In (feat. I just don't understand what is going on in Heaven, but I know it must be super special, for those two (Characters) to personally be drafted in heaven in lest than ten days, Could it be the rehersal for heaven's Choir? quite often sang about. Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2004. He was 44. Our sincere condolences to the Hess family. Gospel Singing Artist, Ms. Lillie Knauls! Alexandria IN - On August 19 & 20, Gospel Music legends Bill & Gloria Gaither (pictured in attached jpg) will present the Oklahoma Homecoming at the Mabee Center in Tulsa. All rights reserved. Over the years, Jake's family has lovingly shared their father and grandfather with his friends and fans. When Jonathan was seven years old, his mother coaxed him into learning songs, and he sang Cup of the Cold Water at church. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. How Are Virgo And Gemini Compatible In Bed? Pierce was married to Denise Jones between 1994 and 2007. Born January 8, 1937, in Davie County, North Carolina, he was a son of the late James Byrd Gaither and the Eula Nichols Gaither. Jim Bailey: Original member of Gaither Vocal Band dies. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Rick Price, founder, and owner of New Legacy Project, passed away Thursday morning, December 30, 2021, at the age of 65. Danny Lamar Gable, 70, of Gainesville passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021 at his sisters home in Gray, GA following an extended illness. Buy the full length DVD/CD 'Homecoming Texas Style' Here: smarturl.it/GM.HTS Available at iTunes: smarturl.it/GM.HTS.iT Subscribe to Gaither Music YouTube Channel: smarturl.it/GaitherMusicTV_Subsc Subscribe to GaitherVEVO Channel:, Teenage Porn Star Controversy Rocks California High School. During his time at the magazine, Jerry created Southern Gospel musics first National Radio Airplay Chart (1970) and the Singing News Fan Awards (1971). http://bit.ly/2y2Xu4JSubscribe to the Gaither Music TV YouTube Channel to watch new videos weekly: http://smarturl.it/GaitherMusicTV_SubscSign-Up for the Gaither Newsletter and receive $5 off your next online purchase: http://smarturl.it/GaitherNewsletterSubscribe to GaitherVEVO Channel: http://smarturl.it/GaitherVEVOSubscribeSubscribe to Gaither TV: http://smarturl.it/GaitherTV_Subscribe Rick Price, founder, and owner of New Legacy Project, passed away Thursday morning, December 30, 2021, at the age of 65. He passed away on Sunday at the age of 49. God bring comfort and mercy to his family., Another of Pierces friends, fellow singer Jody McBrayer, said in a tweet, So extremely sad to hear about the tragic passing of Jonathan Pierce. Guy Penrod & David Phelps) [Live]. Well done, good and faithful servant! He will be missed by all who knew him and by so many who never met him but loved him still. Spring House. His wife, Carol, has made a tribute to her husbands memory, while his sister Cheryl Kartsonakis has shared a touching, The former British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, was known as the Iron Lady, and she once gripped Jonathan Pierces neck as he sang for her. I just wanted to add my condolences to the Hess family. He earned his net worth mainly from his devotion in the Christian music industry. She had many of his tapes and played them over and over. WE ALL KNOW HE HAS A BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE NOW THAT HE, VESTEL AND JOYCE ARE SINGING FOR THE LORD JUST AS HE ALWAYS HAS.I WILL ENJOY ALL HIS MUSIC, HIS BOOK AND REMEMBER THE TIMES I HAVE MET AND TALKED TO HIM. Low 38F. We love you and will keep you in our daily prayer. A great friend, a godly Christian, and wonderful person--Jake. Its like when youre trying to help get people through the night with a fever whatever I can do to help them understand what Christ wants them to do. See you one day in Heaven. In a 2005 interview with Cross Rhythms, Pierce said Jones co-wrote six songs on his album Sanctuary. (0) 2010. A LITTLE TIME HAS PASSED,JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW-YOU'RE STILL IN OUR PRAYERS AND HEART.JUST THINK WHAT A TIME JAKE IS HAVING.WOW!!!! Dave Emery, former manager and vocalist for the world-famousChuck Wagon Gang, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021. I long to meet him in Heaven Some Sweet day and hear Jake's anointed voice singing lead in the Heavenly Choir. Bill Gaither recalled the conviction with which he handled the third verse solo in Because He Lives: And then when death gives way to victory. After all "Death Ain'it No Big Deal" Heavens gain is surley our loss. At the age of 18 months, Gaither Homecoming pianist and singer Anthony Burger fell into a heating duct suffering third-degree burns to his hands, face and legs. My prayers go out to the family,he will be missed. Market data provided by Factset. Forgive me for sharing my favorite. He can be reached by email at jameshenrybailey@earthlink.net. God Bless and keep you. SUE. What a great singer, i!ve listened to him over 50 years. Ben later became the music director of the Gaither Homecoming programs. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and for the hundreds of kind comments we have received honoring Stephens life and music. McSpadden, 77, died on April 15. or redistributed. Homecoming Cookbook with Gloria Gaither $19.95 Add to Cart Gaither Vocal Band: That's Gospel, Brother DVD & CD $24.95 Add to Cart Airing Now on TV Love, God Devotional by Lynda Randle $24.95 Add to Cart New Something Beautiful by Gloria Gaither Audiobook $21.95 Add to Cart Sandi Patty: Forever Grateful DVD & CD $19.95 Add to Cart Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Price spent almost fifty years in Gospel music with more than two decades as a member of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. Danny Gaither and Bill Gaither were the other members of the group. Dr. Ben Lacy Speer, age 86, passed away on April, 7, 2017. I love what Bill Gaither said about him. When He died in 2004 I was unable to attend his Funeral. Vestal Goodman died peacefully in her sleep at age 78, near Orlando, Fla., after falling ill with influenza just before the Christmas holidays. Gaither died Friday in Indianapolis after a five-year battle with lymphoma. I had the awsome priviledge of singing a trio with you and Jake that night. I will surely miss the wonderful voice of Jake Hess! Singer Danny Gaither dies at 62. McSpadden then returned to The Imperials and recorded three albums with them. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Yesterday at this time, we did our three-mile-walk and two hours later Paul had moved from this world to ano Singing News has learned that long-time Southern Gospel Music broadcaster Paul Heil passed away during the evening of Sunday, Dec. 27th, following a heart attack. Copyright 2022 - 2023 Heart Eyes Magazine -. And David Phelps has recently left the group to pursue a solo career. Hess is survived by his son Jake Jr. and ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Losses from our church included Lorraine Withers, 96; Harold Smith, 95; and Dale Nye, 85. "Gaither Homecoming: Live From Toronto," has Burger's "Shout to the Lord/Rhapsody in Blue Medley," and "Canadian Homecoming" features his "Gettin' Ready to Leave This World.". My mother passed earlier this year, and Jake Hess was her favorite singer of all time. Jonathan Pierce, formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band, died of pancreatic cancer in 2010. Description. Join host Emma Keith in exploring the criminal justice system that convicted and sentenced Rebecca Hogue, a Norman, Oklahoma mother found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her son. Vestal's funeral was well attended, she looked good, and the events of. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus. You were a blessing to the world. Born January 8, 1937, in Davie County, North Carolina, he was a son of the late James Byrd Gaither and the Eula Nichols Gaither. He was a true gentleman and a Gospel legend. He seemed to be such an sincere and Humble Man. Only eternity will reveal the lives Jake Hess has touched. Undoutedly, you will be bombarded with people's memories of Jake. He was 68 years old. Gaither Homecoming Videos A chronological listing of the 89 Homecoming videos and 21 Compilations with track listings. He will be missed. Me and my family will always remember him. He won . Nashville, Tennessee, native Stephen Hill died unexpectedly Sunday morning while performing in his final concert. Local news, sports and entertainment when you want it. Gaither Vocal Band 2023 tour will finish its run with a final performance on November 6th, 2070 at 7:00pm at the McLean Bible Church, which can be found at 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. Surviving are his wife, Kathy Hill and children: Melody, Miriam and Caleb. In The Gaithers and Southern Gospel, Ryan P. Harper examines songwriters Bill and Gloria Gaither's Homecoming video and concert series--a gospel music franchise that, since its beginning in 1991, has outperformed all Christian and much secular popular music on the American music market.The Homecomings represent "southern gospel." Typically that means a musical style popular among white . your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Thoughts that lie within the heart, too deep for words to say, and may it make the loss you feel less difficult to bear, knowing you have many friends who sympathize and care. Serving as pallbearers are Dave Clark, Gene McDonald, Tim Reid, Mike Allen, Brian Speer, Marc Speer, Tom Powell, Shannon Fontaine and Per Norstrand. Earlier in his career Burger played for the Celestials and the Southern gospel quartet The Kingsmen. Guy recorded his first album while in high school and sang all four songs. Stephen was in the middle of a sound check before a solo concert in Lumberton, North Carolina, when he suffered a massive heart attack that took his life. can stop at any time. He has produced up to 700 gospel songs and more than 40 albums in total. He will be greatly missed but has gone on to his final reward and what a wonderful thing to know we will see him again. There is that disagreement every once in a while. Complications from heart surgery. Bill Shorey will officiate, assisted by Bill Gaither and Dr. Michael Guido. We are very sad, but im sure Jake and Vestal and Howard Goodman and all that have gone on before are singing those heavenly songs only the saints that have gone on know, And I am sure he would want us rejoicing that he is with His lovely wife and Jesus and all the angels. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer, complicated by heart problems and a stroke. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends in this time of deep sorrow. The music community mourns the loss of Stephen. The Bob Robinson family, Bob, Carolyn, Rick, Leigh Ann and Lynne were mightily blessed in 1968 when we became neighbors of Jake & Joyce Hess on Williamsburg Rd, Brentwood, TN. Thank you so much for sharing your father and grandfather with all of us fans. How the heavenly Father must be rejoicing to have Mr Hess at home with him. He is survived by his sons, Randy Gaither (Darby) of Lexington, Greg Gaither of Rural Hall; step-son, Harold Jones (Susie) of Mt. As a pre-teen I used to go to the V.F.W. He was so talented that he later toured with the band and, Nashville, Tennessee, native Stephen Hill died unexpectedly Sunday morning while performing in his final concert. His schedule normally involves weekend church services or concerts, although he occasionally schedules two to three week . It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Joyce Zimmerman, 82, was in Anderson High School during my era. All rights reserved. The thing we appreciated about Jake was his love for his God and his family. Jake continued to record, as an individual artist and with The Old Friends Quartet. The Gaither Vocal Band also lost Mark Lowry, the original tenor in the Bill Gaither Trio. Price was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998. We love you. He worked alongside his father for 13 years, teaching people faith, wisdom, and obedience to the Bible. He is greatly missed and loved. We send our love and sympathy to the family of Jake Hess. Burger started playing when he was 3 years old and debuted on the radio at age 5, Rowland said. I look forward to shaking his hand and hearing that voice again one day! His last album, "Homecoming," was a hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Southern Gospel Recording. Its hard to believe that the Queen of Gospel Music is no longer with us. We loved Jake and all of you. McSpadden, 77, died on April 15. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. Ben was a singer, musician, music publisher, and record company executive. Jonathan Pierce Hildreth, better known as Jonathan Pierce (November 15, 1967May 9, 2020), [1] [2] was an American CCM, gospel singer from Odessa, Texas and an interior designer in Nashville. Danny and Mary Ann had three children together. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Hill was 55. Gloria Gaither is also on the Advisory Board for the Spirit and Place Festival, an organization sympathetic to the "new (age) spirituality." We will continue to pray for the family. The finest 'Lead' singer I have ever heard! Below is one of the last things Stephen posted on his Facebook page. We were blessed to meet family and friends. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Gaither is a Christian musician and songwriter. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Monday . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Another member of the Gaither Vocal Band who passed away is Jonathan Pierce. His last few years he pastored in Branson, Missouri, also appearing at one of Bransons entertainment venues. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. My deepest sympathy to the Hess family. They appreciate the prayers his wonderful friends have offered during his illness and ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Guido Evangelistic Association in Metter, Ga. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry atwww.mcmullenfuneralhome.com. His unexpected death has left a hole in the Gaither Vocal Band family. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Some of his famous songs are "Because He Lives", "He Touched Me", and "The Longer I Serve Him". Hosted by Bill & Gloria Gaither, Tent Revival Homecoming features some 140 modern gospel artists participating and re-creating the look, feel, and sound of 1950s and 1960s gospel tent revivals, right down to the cloth tent canopy and the sawdust floors. Below is one of the last things Stephen posted on his Facebook page. Tom and Fran Stewart. Pierce was born Jonathan Pierce Hildreth in Odessa, Texas, in November 1970. After a few minutes you realize, you know, it really doesnt matter.. Legal Statement. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Daniel J. He sang for The Speer Family for most of his career. Goodman was hailed as a national treasure by Bill Gaither. Stephen has appeared on dozens of Homecoming DVDs and television specials both as a soloist and a group singer. In 2002, he won the Southern Gospel Music Association Award for Best Video with The Old Friends Quartet. Sumner and James Blackwood. After graduating from Liberty University, he continued his studies. I was saddened to hear of Jake's death. We know Jake is singing in heaven now to his Savior Jesus Christ. He has now reached the home he has been singing about for so long. He operated his design business, Pierce & Company, in Nashville. When Jonathan was seven years old, his mother coaxed him into learning songs, and he sang Cup of the Cold Water at church. The series started in 1991. Bill served in the United States Air Force. Gary has finally seen the lights of glory, summarized Bill.Locally, quite a few passings have been noted in recent weeks, only a few related to the coronavirus. . 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Jake's daughter remembers the occasion where the piano was moved to the center of the auditorium and all four of the Statemen were singing on top of the piano. This death has prompted mourners to sing along with the Goodman familys recordings. Larry Ford presents over 75 concerts a year to audiences around the world. See more ideas about christian singers, gaither, southern gospel music. Memorial video and celebration service information has now been added to this on-going story about the loss of our friend, Stephen Hill. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? In January 2016, Pierce told Christian music news site Hallels, The church has to be credited with everything, what Ive done, who I am. Ben was a singer, musician, music publisher, and record company executive. Jake is in the best of company! Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. This tenderhearted gentleman will be sorely missed. We had the honor and privilege of sharing the same stage with Mr. Hess. The family will receive friends on Monday April 10, from four until seven oclock in the evening at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and from eleven until one oclock on Tuesday followed by a Celebration of Life Service at one oclock at The First Church of the Nazarene, 510 Woodlawn Street. We loved him and will miss him so very much. http://bit.ly/2y2Xu4JSubscri. The Gospel Music World has lost another great singer. Then shell help me fine-tune them. George W. Gaither Alexandria, Indiana December 21, 1913 - January 20, 2005 Tribute Wall Obituary & Events Share a memory Plant a tree Obituary George had lived in Alexandria all of lifetime. Jake's influence on the rock 'n' roll superstar is well documented and Elvis' affection for him continued over the years. and there will never be another like him. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. In a 2001 interview with Cross Rhythms, the singer spoke about his performance style, saying: I am me and thats what I want to be me. The piano was delivered to that church on Sunday after the singing on Saturday. as a former singer in a gospel group. *NEW* A Celebration Service honoring the life of Stephen Hill will be held at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Nashville on Monday, August 13 at 3:00 PM. In a survey by the Gaither Music organization, Larry was one of the three most requested soloists on the Gaither Homecoming videos (April, 2014). Her career was significantly boosted when the groups Homecoming concerts and videos were introduced in the mid-90s. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. They brought Jake's message to an entirely new generation of fans. Get the "Give the World a Smile" & "Sweeter As The Days Go By" DVDs & CDs here! Fellow newspaper people were included. It caught on quickly, and the rest is history. The Rev. We knew Bro. Connie Hopper Obituary. Goodman began singing gospel music in the 1940s with her family and eventually became a staple of the Gaither Homecoming concerts. Jonathan Pierce pictured on his Facebook page in 2016. It was a great honor to meet Jake Hess in person. In addition to being one of the founding members of the Gaither Homecoming, Goodman was also part of the Happy Goodman Family.