Tim LaHaye dead: 'Left Behind' series author dies aged 90

Tim LaHaye, the r espected evangelical leader and New York Times best-selling co-author of the "Left Behind" book series, passed away Monday morning, July 25 at the age of 90.

LaHaye's family announced through his official Facebook page that he passed away in a hospital in San Diego after suffering a stroke.

"Tim was one of the most godly men I have ever known," Christianity Today quoted David Jeremiah as saying.

Jeremiah, the founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries, replaced LaHaye as senior pastor of the former Scott Memorial Baptist Church, now known as Shadow Mountain Community Church. Jeremiah also said he believes LaHaye would continue to influence many Christians through his books, organizations and the people he touched.

"Whose life hasn't been affected in some way by this man?" wrote the two-year-old Oklahoma-based ministry Prophecy Watchers on LaHaye's passing. "This is a great man of God and if the Lord takes him home, he leaves behind a wonderful legacy. In the words of Steve Green, 'May all who come behind us find us faithful.'"

The late pastor founded Tim LaHaye Ministries, Pre-Trib Research Center, and two accredited Christian high schools. He also helped Dr. Henry Morris establish the Institute for Creation Research.

He also wrote scores of books both in fiction and non-fiction genres and co-authored with Jerry B. Jenkins the widely popular apocalyptic series, "Left Behind."

While Christianity Today ranks the "Left Behind" series among the most influential books on evangelicalism, The Washington Post praised the books as great literature for both Christian and non-Christian readers.

The popularity of the series spawned into multiple movie adaptations, video games and graphic novels.

"Thrilled as I am that he is where he has always wanted to be, his departure leaves a void in my soul I don't expect to fill until I see him again," said Jenkins in an obituary for his co-author.

He also wrote a tribute for LaHaye, describing him as someone who "had a pastor's heart and lived to share his faith."

He said that LaHaye's absence from the autograph table or the green room of a television network would only mean he's somewhere praying for someone else, even if they had only just met.