From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE The Trussville Tribune learned of the passing of a longtime freelance writer and fan of the paper. Ronald Hagood, Jr., 40, of Tarrant, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.
Hagood was well known in The Tribune coverage area for his love of sports and multiple jobs. During football season, Hagood covered games and never once complained about tight deadlines and word counts.
“I’m just devastated by the news of Ron’s passing,” said Tribune Sports Editor Erik Harris. “He loved covering local sports, and was especially fond of the Springville Tigers. He would call me on Friday nights just to talk about Springville football… I already miss those conversations.”
Wasting away in a Turkish prison wasnât how Andrew Brunson would have chosen to spend two years of his life â but after watching turmoil of the last two weeks unfold, heâs more convinced than ever: God was preparing him for this moment. Persecution is coming, he believes. And thereâs no greater burden on his heart than to make sure Americans are ready for it.
Looking back, Pastor Brunson never imagined his lifeâs mission would be advocating for religious freedom. âI thought Iâd be in Turkey the rest of my life doing church planting,â he admitted on âWashington Watch.â God had other plans. When Andrew was wrongfully charged and sentenced to life behind bars, heâs pretty candid: it broke him. Nothing, he said, equipped him for the kind of persecution he experienced. âI had counted the cost for some pressure, but certainly not for prison.â