David Ring, the internationally known evangelist, author and motivational speaker whose testimony inspired audiences for more than five decades, has died at the age of 72. Ring died on September, 2026, according to a statement from his children shared on his Facebook page. His passing marks the end of a remarkable ministry built around perseverance, faith and his determination to encourage people to look beyond the obstacles in their lives.
Born on October 28, 1953, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ring entered the world under extraordinary circumstances and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He was orphaned at 14 after losing both of his parents and spent his teenage years moving between relatives. Despite physical pain, discouragement and ridicule, Ring eventually found a renewed sense of purpose through his Christian faith. His ministry began in 1973, and over the years he shared his testimony with audiences across the United States and around the world.
Ring became known for speaking openly about living with cerebral palsy while refusing to allow his disability to define the limits of his life. His message reached churches, schools, conventions and corporate gatherings, sometimes before audiences numbering more than 100,000 people each year. His distinctive humor and warm personality became part of his ministry, while his familiar challenge about having cerebral palsy encouraged listeners to confront their own discouragement and excuses.
Beyond the pulpit, Ring was also an author who shared his personal journey through books including Just As I Am: The Life of David Ring and The Boy Born Dead. He appeared on nationally known Christian programs and spoke at major Southern Baptist gatherings, building relationships throughout the evangelical community. He and his wife, Karen, made their home in Nashville, Tennessee, and they raised four children and welcomed grandchildren.
David Ring’s death leaves a deep sense of loss among his family, friends, fellow ministers and the countless people who heard his testimony over the years. His children have asked for privacy as the family processes their grief, and funeral or memorial arrangements had not been announced at the time of the death announcement. For those who encountered David through his preaching, books or personal testimony, his legacy will remain closely tied to a life that transformed hardship into a message of faith, courage and hope.
