Gospel Legend Jake Hess died on January 4, 2004 at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama, at the age of 76.

On Tuesday, January 6, there will be a visitation period from 6 to 8 PM at the McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. in Columbus.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 7, beginning at 2 PM, at Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, where Hess was a member. The Rev. Bill Shorey will officiate, assisted by Bill Gaither and Michael Guido.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests people consider donations to the Guido Evangelistic Association, Metter, GA 30439.

Born in 1927 in the Sand Mountain Area of Alabama, Hess became one of the three quartets who were in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Elvis Presley said that Hess was his favorite singer when reporters posed the question during his service in the Army in 1958.

Hess celebrated his 76th birthday on December 24, 2003 at the East Alabama Medical Center. He was listed as an honorary pall bearer for Gospel pioneer Vestal Goodman, who died December 26, 2003.