Vanard James (V.J.) Mendinghall Jr., 81, was born November 3, 1943. In 1958, at the age of 15, he gave his heart to the Lord at a Billy Graham Crusade. At 17 years old, his commitment to faith led him to become the youngest Youth Federation president of the South Atlantic Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (now Decatur, Georgia), setting the foundation for a lifetime of service, leadership, and devotion.
He pursued his post-high school education, obtaining an associate of science degree in commercial art, advertising, and design. In 1965, he was drafted into the Army, where he trained as a medic and for Operation Whitecoat, a covert biological and chemical warfare program. His dedicated service earned him an Army Commendation Medal before he was honorably discharged in 1967. That same year, he matriculated to Oakwood College (now Oakwood University), where he met his wife of 55 years, Ruth Howard, whom he affectionately called “Baby Ruth.”
In 1970, he earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from A&T State University and then returned to his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served as principal and teacher from 1973 to 1976. Afterward, he obtained a master’s degree in religion from Andrews University in 1977.
Mendinghall pastored churches in Athens, Covington, Savannah, and Lawrenceville, Georgia, from 1977 to 1982, before stepping into greater roles of leadership. From 1982 to 1997, he served as education superintendent, youth director, and executive secretary. During that time, he instituted the widely popular annual “Married Lovers’ Retreat,” which is still being held.
In 1997, he was elected the seventh president of the South Atlantic Conference, a position he held for 14 years until his retirement in 2011. Under his leadership, South Atlantic flourished with nearly 15,000 new members joining in his tenure, and he installed 63 pastors into the Gospel ministry. His legacy of progress included the construction of a $4 million, 4,100-seat worship center at the River Oaks Campground in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He also supervised the building of a $2 million Youth Worship Center with a gymnasium, and the $3 million lodge-style villas. His leadership also played a key role in the construction of a new facility for Berean Christian Academy and Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Throughout his life, he preached in 29 countries across five continents, sharing the message of faith with unwavering conviction. On February 21, 2025, he fell asleep in Jesus and awaits the coming of his Savior.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; two daughters: Kimberly (Hodari) Cail and April (John II) Nixon; five siblings; five grandchildren; a host of nieces; nephews; friends; and loved ones.
South Atlantic | July 2025
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