Oak Ridge Boys’ Singer Joe Bonsall Passes Away at 76

Singer Joe Bonsall, a longtime member of The Oak Ridge Boys, has passed away at the age of 76. In a press release, the legendary country and gospel group announced that Bonsall “passed on to Glory on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).” His family is requesting privacy at this time.

Bonsall first joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1973. Throughout his tenure, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into several Halls of Fame: the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame. He retired from touring in 2023 due to multiple health issues, including a “slow onset” of a neuromuscular disease, according to The Hill.

Aside from his illustrious music career, Bonsall authored 11 books. His latest work, a memoir titled I See Myself, is set for release in November. “Joe loved to sing. He loved to read. He loved to write. He loved to play banjo. He loved working on the farm. And he loved the Philadelphia Phillies,” stated a joint message from the surviving members of The Oak Ridge Boys. “But Jesus and his family always came first–and we will see him again on the Promised Day.”

Bonsall is survived by his wife Mary Ann, daughters Jennifer and Sabrina, granddaughter Breanne, grandson Luke, two great-grandsons, Chance and Grey, and a sister, Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph S. Bonsall Sr. and Lillie Bonsall.

At Bonsall’s request, there will be no funeral. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association or to the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Source: The Hill