New Birth Missionary Baptist Pastor Eddie Long died in Atlanta on Sunday. He was 63.

Long, who attended North Carolina Central University, where he studied Business Administration and graduated in 1977, passed away from an “aggressive form of cancer,” according to a New Birth statement confirming his death.

“New Birth Missionary Baptist Church celebrates the life and legacy of Bishop Eddie L. Long who is now spiritually healed and home with the Lord,” the statement read. “Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth, transitioned from this life early Sunday morning after a gallant private fight with an aggressive form of cancer. As a man of God with unyielding faith, Bishop Long maintained his commitment to our Heavenly Father as he proclaimed that cancer would not kill his faith nor his spirit.”

“I am confident through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place,” First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Bishop Long’s wife of 27 years offered. “Although his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace.”

Long took over as the senior pastor of the Georgia megachurch in 1987 and served in that position until his death in 2017.

Long had been fielding concerns about his health in recent years. The pastor once stated that he was recovering from a health challenge and he had hoped to get better soon.

Tributes quickly poured in for Long from friends and church members:

Check out Long’s “Going Through The Door” below: