He was often a part of the MLK Day Commemorative Service held each year at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
ATLANTA - Mourning is being held following the death of Elder Cal Murrell, who was affectionately known as "The Happy Preacher" in Atlanta.
Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., took to social media on Friday following the news of her passing. "We were really blessed to have him as a part of the Atlanta community and a regular," she said. "He cared about us and gave his lot on our behalf."
He was often a part of the MLK Day memorial service held every year at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
"Homegoing services—and MLK Ecological Services in particular—would not be the same without Elder Cal Murrell," Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement.
"Our loss is heaven's gain," said Fulton County Commissioner Khadija Abdur-Rahman.
"Atlanta has lost another icon, and now we bid farewell to Elder Cal L. Murrell aka 'The Happy Preacher'." he said in a statement on Sunday. "Let us all stop today and remember him and his family."
Governor Brian Kemp tweeted Monday that Murrell will be sorely missed.
"As many people gather today to honor Dr. King, there will be a remarkable absence of Elder Cal Murrell. You are now a happy evangelist in heaven," he said.
Here are some condolences that were made to honor "The Happy Preacher."
How divine that the Happy Preacher will spend MLK Day in heaven? He was a kind, generous, loving, and sanctified spirit, who was the biggest cheerleader that Atlanta has ever known. He will be missed. #thehappypreacher. #eldercalmurrell pic.twitter.com/mt0j65PVvY
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) January 16, 2022
Saddened to hear of the passing of church royalty and a COGIC jewel, the Happy Preached, Elder Cal Murrell. This was take.He will be missed at all the homegoing services (funerals), COGIC meetings and MLK services. I just didn’t realize how many people knew and loved him! pic.twitter.com/PIVyYPm3F0
— Kellen Brooks (@Kaybrux) January 17, 2022
Tweet from Jared Sawyer Jr. (@JaredSawyerJr) Jared Sawyer Jr. (@JaredSawyerJr) Tweeted:
— Sylvia Banks (@theevang1) January 17, 2022
Rest In Peace Elder Cal Murrell “The Happy Preacher”. You were an atlanta legend. We know you are shouting in glory! pic.twitter.com/2ishr50sBY https://t.co/AiRG5cLdXK
Rest In Peace Elder Cal Murrell “The Happy Preacher”. You were an atlanta legend. We know you are shouting in glory! pic.twitter.com/hn5x1FnpzM
— Jared Sawyer Jr. (@JaredSawyerJr) January 15, 2022