Gene Beckstein, the man who founded Good News at Noon as an apartment ministry in Gainesville, died earlier today.
Beth Oropeza, assistant director of the ministry on Davis Street, confirmed Beckstein's death, but had no other details.
Beckstein, affectionately known as Mr. B., was 93 years old.
A teacher by profession, Beckstein felt called by God to begin doing something new with his life in 1987. He and his wife Margie placed a sign in the front yard of their home, inviting anyone who was hungry to join them for lunch. According to the Good News website, the crowd soon outgrew their kitchen, and the ministry relocated to a community center at Melrose Apartments in Gainesville.
The ministry has grown to include daily meals for hungry families, summer school programs for children in the area and a shelter for homeless men.
Funeral arrangements for Gene Beckstein are pending.
