The Reverend Dr. Virgil Caldwell passed away Wednesday.
Caldwell was widely known throughout Chattanooga as the man who preached from New Monumental Missionary Baptist Church's pulpit for 40 years. He retired from the church in late 2008, and was given the honor of pastor emeritus.
Before joining the Baptist ministry in 1960, Caldwell fought in the Korean War and taught music for years. Caldwell will also be remembered by many for his talented saxophone playing and passion for writing religious plays.