South Africans are in mourning over the sad passing of Rhema Bible Church founder, Ray McCauley.
The 75-year-old died surrounded by his loved ones in his Johannesburg home on Tuesday, 8 October.
He leaves behind two children, two step-children, a wife and ex-wife, and three grandchildren.
RIP RAY MCCAULEY: HOW DID HE DIE?
According to a statement issued by his son Joshua McCauley, Ray died “peacefully” at his Johannesburg home.
There was no mention of a cause of death.
In recent months, Ray had appeared frail in public. Ray – who founded SA’s largest single congregation church, Rhema – delivered one of his last sermons at the 3C Church’s G12 Africa Conference in February.
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In a clip posted on social media, the preacher was assisted in walking up to the pulpit. He sat on a chair while he delivered his message.
“The devil tried everything to stop me from coming, but I’m here!” he triumphantly told the congregation.
He added: “They said I wouldn’t make it, but I did.”
rhema bible church, ray mccauley
South African evangelical pastor, Ray McCauley, who founded the Rhema Bible Church, has died aged 75 according to his family. Images via TikTok: @waves4god/ Instagram: @myc3_
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MAN DUBBED ‘SA’S HIGH PRIEST’
While he is the face and name behind the Rhema Bible Church, Ray McCauley also made headlines over his unconventional past and lifestyle as a man of God.
According to Mail&Guardian, Ray dropped out of school to work in a hairdressing salon. He then pursued a career as a bodybuilder and a nightclub bouncer.
He won Mr South Africa in 1974 and even participated in Mr Universe, where he was placed as runner-up to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
ray mccauley, rhema
Image via Instagram: @joshuamccauley
According to TimesLive, Ray underwent groundbreaking surgery following a heart attack, which required the preacher’s brain to be “frozen” for 10 hours.
Ray McCauley played a pivotal role in the peaceful transition from Apartheid to democracy.
He courted controversy over his “flashy” lifestyle and “dramatic” marriages. Ray was pitted as a “prosperity gospel” pastor who reportedly made his riches off his 40 000 + strong congregation.
His lavish wedding to two-time divorcee Zelda Ireland – just months after his divorce from Lyndie McCauley – split the congregation of his Rhema Church.
Ray fathered two children from his first marriage and two stepchildren from his second wife.