Tim LaHaye was a minister and writer, best known for co-authoring the Left Behind series of books. The 16-volume collection sold more than 80 million copies worldwide, and was adapted into a series of films. The story follows a narrative based on Bible prophesies of the end-times, opening with a rapture, then following those who are “left behind.”

LaHaye also appeared often on Christian television, including episodes of There’s Hope America, Thomas Road Live, Ancient Secrets of the Bible and TBN’s Praise the Lord, led by pastors Paul and Jan Crouch. Additionally, LaHaye appeared on an episode of 60 Minutes, as an expert in the segment “Faith, Hope & Politics.”

Before starting his career in ministry, LaHaye served in the Air Force at the end of World War II. After college, he went on to earn his doctorate at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He led churches in South Carolina and Minnesota before moving to Southern California, where he led a church for 25 years.

In 1981, LaHaye turned to writing, public speaking engagements at seminars, and political activism. He also founded Christian high schools and San Diego Christian College — known formerly as Christian Heritage College — as well as helped to establish the Institute for Creation Research, which supports creationism.

LaHaye wrote more than eighty-five books in all, both fiction and non-fiction.

He died July 25, 2016, in San Diego, California. He was 90.