Daugherty services Nov. 30
With honor and yet remorse, the leaders of Victory Christian Center told the congregation Sunday morning of the passing of Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty. He was 57.
“We are sad to lose the presence of our pastor, shepherd, father and brother,” the church leaders announced on their website. “We are thankful, however, for his life, love, and influence on the individuals and ministries he inspired for the last 30 years.
In the midst of the prayers from thousands around the world, Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty experienced his ultimate healing by entering into the presence of God.”
Daugherty died of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma just after 4 a.m., November 22, at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston. His family and loved ones were by his side.
He was born on April 23, 1952.
“We say assuredly, his death was his gain as he is in the arms of a loving God whom he has served since he was a young man,” the website said. “Those closest to him, along with the thousands who followed his ministry, believe that death did not have the final say as his spirit is now alive and well - with no pain, no sorrow, no stress. We are joyful for the words Pastor Daugherty surely heard from the God he served his entire life - ‘well-done thou good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of the Lord.’” Daugherty was the pastor of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa. He also founded Victory Christian School, Victory Bible Institute, and Victory World Missions Training Center, and the Tulsa Dreamcenter.
From inner city families, to single parents, to troubled teens - Tulsa has benefited from his influence beyond the walls of his church.
And his reach was not only local, his ministry has birthed hundreds Bible training centers and supported missionaries around the world.
His ministry will continue through his wife Pastor Sharon Daugherty, 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, his family requests donations to Victory Christian Center Missions to continue advancing his vision and ministry.
A memorial service will be held on November 30 at the Mabee Center. Visit the church’s website www.victory.com for more information.
On March 4, 2007, Daugherty dedicated the church’s new 4,500-seat sanctuary on the church’s property. Within weeks all services were moved from the Mabee center on the grounds of Oral Roberts University across the street to the new sanctuary.
On October 17, 2007, Daugherty was named executive regent of Oral Roberts University in the wake of numerous allegations of impropriety involving ORU President Richard Roberts and his wife, Lindsay Roberts. Daugherty’s role as executive regent included serving as acting president of ORU for a short time until ORU Provost Ralph Fagin assumed the position.
Daugherty, who was from Magnolia, Ark., was a graduate of ORU. He was a youth pastor at Sheridan Christian Center and eventually became senior pastor. He founded Victory Christian Center in 1980.