The Christian community and the conservative movement in the United States are mourning the loss of one of their most influential and outspoken leaders, Rev. Donald Wildmon, who passed away on December 28, 2023, at the age of 85. Wildmon was the founder and chairman emeritus of the American Family Association (AFA) and American Family Radio (AFR), two organizations that have been at the forefront of promoting and defending the values of faith, family, and freedom for over four decades.
A Life of Service and Activism
Wildmon was born in Ripley, Mississippi, to Ellis and Johnnie Wildmon, a civil servant and a schoolteacher, respectively. He graduated from Millsaps College in 1960 and married Lynda Lou Bennett in 1961, with whom he had four children. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 and then obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in 1965.
Rev. Donald Wildmon began his ministry as a United Methodist pastor in Mississippi, where he served for 12 years. In 1977, he moved to Tupelo, Mississippi, to establish the National Federation for Decency (NFD), the predecessor of the AFA, after being disturbed by the immoral and indecent content that he saw on television. He felt that no primetime television program was appropriate for his family with young children.
With a membership of 1,400, NFD’s first television advertiser boycott was in 1978 against Sears for sponsoring shows like All in the Family, Charlie’s Angels, and Three’s Company. Sears withdrew sponsorship of the latter two programs.
In 1980, Wildmon founded the Coalition for Better Television (CBTV), with the help of Jerry Falwell and other prominent evangelical leaders, claiming a nationwide membership of 5 million. However, CBTV disbanded and Wildmon started Christian Leaders for Responsible Television without Falwell’s involvement.
In 1986, the NFD changed its name to the American Family Association, reflecting its broader scope of issues and activities. The AFA has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives to promote biblical morality, traditional marriage, pro-life causes, religious liberty, and patriotism. It has also been vocal in opposing pornography, homosexuality, abortion, gambling, secularism, and liberalism.
In 1991, Rev. Donald Wildmon launched American Family Radio, a network of Christian radio stations that broadcasts across the country. AFR offers a variety of programs, including news, talk, music, and teaching, from a Christian perspective. AFR has been a source of inspiration, information, and encouragement for millions of listeners.
Wildmon has also authored several books, such as The Home Invaders, Speechless: Silencing the Christians, and The Tragedy of Compromise. He has also hosted a radio show, Today’s Issues, and a television show, Focus on the Family. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, such as the Distinguished Service Award from the National Religious Broadcasters and the Defender of the Faith Award from the American Center for Law and Justice.
not a single fuck was given on that day. one of the most hateful homophobic bigots ever on this earth. just a collosal disaster of a human. let me write this piece of shit's obituary. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/eOcqhSZeTB
— 1 Kidney, 1/2 Liver Runner 💫 (@nephro_maniac) December 28, 2023
A Legacy of Faith and Courage
Wildmon retired from his leadership role at the AFA in 2010, after suffering from encephalitis, a mosquito-borne infection that nearly took his life. He handed over the reins to his son, Tim Wildmon, who continues to serve as the president of the AFA and AFR.
Rev. Donald Wildmon’s death was announced by his family on December 28, 2023, in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he lived with his wife of 62 years. He is survived by his wife, four children, 15 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Wildmon’s life and legacy have been celebrated and honored by many Christian and conservative leaders, who have expressed their gratitude and admiration for his service and activism. Some of the tributes that have been paid to him are:
- “Don Wildmon was a giant of the faith and a visionary leader who fought valiantly for the cause of Christ and His kingdom. He was a mentor and a friend to me, and I will always cherish his wisdom and guidance. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come.” – Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
- “Don Wildmon was a pioneer and a trailblazer in the Christian conservative movement. He was fearless and faithful in standing up for the truth and exposing the lies of the enemy. He was a man of integrity and conviction, who never compromised or backed down from his principles. He was a hero and a role model to me, and I will always honor his memory and legacy.” – Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council.
- “Don Wildmon was a warrior and a champion for the family and the nation. He was a visionary and a strategist who mobilized millions of Americans to take action and make a difference. He was a leader and a statesman who influenced the culture and the politics of our time. He was a brother and a friend to me, and I will always miss his presence and his counsel. He was a blessing and a gift to the church and the world.” – James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and Family Talk.
Rev. Donald Wildmon Obituary and Death
Rev. Donald Wildmon’s death is not only a time of mourning and reflection, but also a time of action and prayer. He has left behind a legacy of faith and courage that challenges and inspires us to follow his example and continue his work. He has also left behind a vision of hope and victory that encourages and motivates us to trust in God and His promises.
As we remember and honor Donald, let us also commit ourselves to:
- Pray for his family and friends, that they may find comfort and peace in God’s presence and grace.
- Pray for the AFA and AFR, that they may remain faithful and fruitful in their mission and ministry.
- Pray for our nation and our world, that they may experience revival and transformation by the power of the gospel.
- Support the AFA and AFR, by joining their campaigns and initiatives, donating to their causes, and spreading their messages.
- Stand for the values of faith, family, and freedom, by living out our Christian convictions, speaking out for the truth, and voting for the right candidates.
Rev. Donald Wildmon was a visionary founder, a faithful servant, and a courageous leader. He has finished his race and received his crown. He has left us a legacy and a vision. Let us honor him by following his footsteps and fulfilling his vision. Let us be the salt and light of the world, as he was. Let us be the voice of the voiceless, as he was. Let us be the defenders of the faith, as he was. Let us be the champions of the family, as he was. Let us be the warriors of the Lord, as he was. May God bless Rev. Donald Wildmon, his family, and his ministry. May God bless America and the world. May God be glorified in all that we do. Amen.
