Orlando, Florida, hosted a public celebration of life this past Friday for Dr. Ron Kenoly, the influential worship leader who died February 3, 2026, at the age of 81. Family, friends, and a global community of believers gathered at Judah Church to honor his legacy of praise and worship, a ministry that spanned more than four decades and reached over 120 countries.
The service featured tributes from Kenoly’s three sons, who shared personal recollections of their father, acknowledging his imperfections while emphasizing his unwavering dedication to glorifying God. They spoke of his commitment to instilling in them a life of worship and a focus on God’s honor, power, and glory.
Micah Stampley, a singer-songwriter, described Kenoly as a father figure, affectionately calling him “Doc and then he’s Pops.” The sentiment underscored the personal investment Kenoly made in the lives of countless worship leaders, and musicians.
Concert pianist Adlan Cruz, who traveled extensively with Kenoly, reflected on his genuine worship. “I saw him as more than just an artist or a leader. I saw him as a worshipper, a true worshipper,” Cruz said.
Grammy-winning worship leader Israel Houghton credited Kenoly as a foundational influence on his own ministry. “When I went into being kind of like a professional, so to speak, in leading worship, Ron Kenoly was the North Star of that,” Houghton stated.
Don Moen, former creative director and president of Integrity Music, shared a close bond with Kenoly, describing him as a brother with whom he traveled the world, spreading the message of Jesus through music.
Global ministry organizer Grace Knodt highlighted Kenoly’s pioneering role in shaping modern worship. “What a pioneer from the beginning. He helped, along with others, change modern worship,” she said.
Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s longtime music director, emphasized the biblical foundation of his music. “Give to other people what comes from the word of God—I think that was the main thing with Doc. If you capture any of his songs, they were all biblical.”
Sam Kenoly, Dr. Kenoly’s son, shared a poignant detail about his father’s final hours. “He was singing new songs that he had wrote for hours, giving praise to God. And then he laid his head down and he went to sleep. And the Lord took him,” he recounted.
Judah Church, where the service was held, had honored Kenoly as a member of their community for the past ten years, recognizing his leadership and influence in praise and worship music. The service was live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube for those unable to attend in person, according to a post on the church’s Facebook page.
