The world’s only International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum was the brainchild of the late, great David Lee Gough. He recently passed away surrounded by his devoted family and the support of his church family. News of his passing touched a great many, and he had ties deep into the Nashville music industry on various levels.

David once said: “When God gave me the perfect vision for preserving and highlighting his amazing music [Gospel], I knew then to form a serious committee. A source that was just as dedicated and heartfelt about it as I was.”

That is exactly what he did. He called together a handful of likeminded, loyal believers and Gospel music lovers to help him see the task through. As with anything great, it was no easy feat. But even with his passing, the dream will live on.

In addition to the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum, David was a musical genius. He launched his own music and award winning Gospel music label DoRhon Records, which he said was inspired by his three awesome sons: Damon, D. DoRhon, and Devin Gough. He was responsible for launching and cultivating countless careers in music and beyond over the years. He was a man with a heart of gold who could be found slipping money and food to those in need. He also noted that without God, his beautiful wife Carolyn Gough, and the love of his family and church, he was nothing. He travelled the world for business and some pleasure, and did and accomplished things that many only dare to dream of. He was a staunch entrepreneur who worked tirelessly through many days and nights. He infused himself with both established and new ideas. David L. Gough didn’t know the meaning of the words ‘no’ or ‘quit.’ He was also a U.S. military veteran, a businessman, devoted friend, mentor and charitable philanthropist.

A quick list of his unique successes would include: being the executive producer of the movie Paid the Price; overseeing all aspects of DoRhon Records; being behind the scenes in many confidential ventures; and of course, the world’s only International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

His voice has been silenced, but if anyone knew the David L. Gough that some of us were blessed to meet and know—understand that it’s not over by a long shot. In addition to many of his noteworthy tributes, his knowledge and commitment to Gospel music was so strong that some called him the ‘Mayor of Gospel.’

The 67-year-old icon is survived by his lovely wife Carolyn R. Gough; three sons and their wives, Damon, (Michelle) Gough, D. DoRhon (Cherita) Gough, Devin (Cortney) Gough; eight beautiful grandchildren; and a host of various loved ones, colleagues and the vast world of Gospel music. He will be missed but not forgotten and surely his legacy and a part of him will live on in the minds and hearts of many. He wouldn’t want strife or struggle, just for everyone to keep their eyes on God and to do whatever possible for one another and to share the love of Gospel music worldwide.

Home going services were held in Southfield, Miss. (Kemp Funeral Home), but respects were paid with patronage hailing from across the nation. David’s legacy and the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum and other factors of his life and contributions will live on.

“This giant of a man is gone, but not forgotten,” said one family spokesperson.

More will be revealed at a later date.