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The Oklahoma State Senate approved a resolution Tuesday celebrating the life and legacy of the late Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty, who succumbed last year to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma just one month after he was diagnosed.

“Pastor Daugherty was an inspiration to millions, with a legacy stretching across the world from Oklahoma,” said Dan Newberry (R-Tulsa). “His passion for the gospel bettered the lives of countless people. He was a dedicated family man, a tireless spokesman for the gospel, a great Oklahoman and a great man of God.”

Daugherty, whose network of Bible schools spans across 911 campuses in 93 countries, passed away on Nov. 22, 2009, at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston.

Though he was only 57 when he died, Daugherty had done much over the course of his 30 years in ministry. Daugherty was pastor of 17,000-large Victory Christian Center and also founded Victory Christian School, Victory Bible Institute, and Victory World Missions Training Center, and the Tulsa Dreamcenter.

Daugherty’s Victory World Missions Training Center sent hundreds of missionaries to locations throughout the world, and his Tulsa Dream Center has provided clothing and other essentials to less fortunate Tulsa area residents. His television show, Victory in Jesus, reached an audience of more than 100 million.

“His legacy of ministry and service are an example to all of us,” said Newberry. “His passion in communicating the message of the gospel was an inspiration. Today we honor his accomplishments, his exceptional life and his enduring legacy.”

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Daugherty is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children – Sarah and Caleb Wehrli, Ruthie and Adam Sanders, John Daugherty, and Paul and Ashley Daugherty – and his mother Iru Daugherty.

In lieu of flowers, Daughtery’s family had requested that donations be made to Victory Christian Center Missions to continue advancing Daugherty's vision and ministry.