Noted Jacksonville pastor R.J. Washington dies

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A longtime Jacksonville pastor passed away Tuesday. R.J. Washington, 54, reportedly died of cancer.

Washington was known for his powerful sermons, unforgettable teachings and impactful personality.

Family said Washington was the visionary and founder of Titus Harvest Dome Spectrum Church, where he served as senior pastor for more than 30 years.

"Apostle R.J. Washington has been a voice for humanity and an oracle of faith," his family said in a statement. "He steadily sought to compel people to be drawn to the love of a forgiving God. His example of stewardship and love will forever be held close to all of whom he and his wife touched. His contagious laughter and winsome smile will be remembered through the annals of time and his legacy will never fade."

Washington was known for his well-attended conferences that attracted celebrities like Deion Sanders and Kirk Franklin. Washington also had a television ministry.

"We lost a good man and a dear friend," Sanders tweeted.

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According to his biography on Daystar Television, Washington ministered in four continents and was married with three children.

Many people are sharing their condolences and fond memories of Washington on the Action News Jax Facebook page.

Well-known Texas pastor Sheryl Brady tweeted that Washington "was such a kind man."

His high school classmate and friend Pastor Leofric Thomas with Open Arms Christian Fellowship said the news of Washington's death shook him to his core.

"A shock. A stun. He was able to reach across denominations, lines, racial lines," Thomas said.

Bishop John Guns with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church said Washington's impact will be felt beyond Jacksonville.

"His impact is that he went into difficult and tough communities and he helped people. Thousands have been touched by his work and his ministries," Guns said.

Washington's family said they will let community members know about plans for his celebration of life and thanked everyone for their love, kindness and understanding.

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Rodney Sumter, who survived the Orlando Pulse shooting in 2016, posted this tribute on Facebook:  

Full statement from Washington's family:

It is with a heavy heart and a spirit of triumph that we announce the transition of our beloved Apostle R.J. Washington, on May 16, 2017. Apostle Washington was the Visionary and Founder of Titus Harvest Dome Spectrum Church, where he served as Senior Pastor for over 30 years.  This devoted man of God has led many in victory through his teaching and impartation. His slogan for years was, "To the uttermost Jesus saves and he wants you to live!" We have lost a giant of hope and a man of impeccable honor. Apostle R.J. Washington has been a voice for humanity and an oracle of faith. He steadily sought to compel people to be drawn to the love of a forgiving God. His example of stewardship and love will forever be held close to all of whom he and his wife touched. His contagious laughter and winsome smile will be remembered through the annals of time and his legacy will never fade. With the heart of a servant leader, Apostle Washington has fought the good fight, he has finished the race and he has kept the faith. We are certain that he has now heard, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased."<br/> It is our desire in this moment that each of you will lift Apostle Washington's wife, Prophetess April Washington, his family and the Titus Harvest Dome Spectrum Church family in prayer. We kindly request that the family be given time to grieve this enormous loss and honor the great man of God Apostle Washington has been to so many. We will make the community aware of our plans for the celebration of his life in the days to come. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, kindness and understanding."

Cox Media Group