Motivational Speaker Zig Ziglar Dies at 86

Famed motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar died today at age 86 after suffering from a case of pneumonia, Christianity Today reports. Ziglar, who wrote more than 30 books, was a Southern Baptist who served one term as first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Though he was best known for his corporate training and motivational speeches that aimed to improve people's personal lives and careers, he was also a prominent evangelical lay leader. Forbes characterized Ziglar's style as having "a Southern charm and lessons grounded in Christianity." A statement on Ziglar's Facebook page read: "Though his time on earth has ended, he is speaking with Jesus now in his heavenly home. The angels are rejoicing and his family is celebrating a life well lived."