Person:Billy Graham (1)

Biography

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William Franklin Graham Jr. (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) was an American evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister who became well known internationally in the late 1940s. He was a prominent evangelical Christian figure, and according to a biographer, was "among the most influential Christian leaders" of the 20th century.

Graham held large indoor and outdoor rallies with sermons that were broadcast on radio and television, with some still being re-broadcast into the 21st century. In his six decades on television, Graham hosted annual crusades, evangelistic campaigns that ran from 1947 until his retirement in 2005. He also hosted the radio show Hour of Decision from 1950 to 1954. He repudiated racial segregation and insisted on racial integration for his revivals and crusades, starting in 1953. He later invited Martin Luther King Jr. to preach jointly at a revival in New York City in 1957. In addition to his religious aims, he helped shape the worldview of a huge number of people who came from different backgrounds, leading them to find a relationship between the Bible and contemporary secular viewpoints. According to his website, Graham preached to live audiences of 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories through various meetings, including BMS World Mission and Global Mission.

Graham was particularly close to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson (one of Graham's closest friends), and Richard Nixon. He was also lifelong friends with Robert Schuller, another televangelist and the founding pastor of the Crystal Cathedral, whom Graham talked into starting his own television ministry. Graham's evangelism was appreciated by mainline Protestant denominations, as he encouraged those mainline Protestants who were converted to his evangelical message to remain within or return to their mainline churches. Despite his early suspicions and apprehension, common among contemporaneous evangelical Protestants towards Roman Catholicism, Graham eventually developed amicable ties with many American Catholic Church figures and later encouraged unity between Roman Catholics and Protestants.

Graham operated a variety of media and publishing outlets. According to his staff, more than 3.2 million people have responded to the invitation at Billy Graham Crusades to "accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior". Graham's estimated lifetime audience, including radio and television broadcasts, topped 2 billion by 2008. As a result of his crusades, Graham preached the gospel to more people in person than anyone in the history of Christianity.^[1] Graham was on Gallup's list of most admired men and women a record 61 times.^[2] Grant Wacker writes that by the mid-1960s, he had become the "Great Legitimator": "By then his presence conferred status on presidents, acceptability on wars, shame on racial prejudice, desirability on decency, dishonor on indecency, and prestige on civic events."

Video Tributes

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1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12} The New York Times. (New York, New York)
   21 Feb 2018.

   Billy Graham, 99, Dies; Pastor Filled Stadiums and Counseled Presidents
   By LAURIE GOODSTEIN

2. ↑ Billy Graham, in Twitter
   Donald J. Trump‏ (@realDonaldTrump), 21 Feb 2018.

   "The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.

3.   "Statement by the President on the Passing of Reverend Billy Graham", in WhiteHouse.gov
   21 Feb 2018.

   STATEMENTS & RELEASES: "Melania and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the passing of Billy Graham. Our prayers are with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who worked closely with Reverend Graham in his lifelong ministry. Billy’s acceptance of Jesus Christ around his seventeenth birthday not only changed his life—it changed our country and the world. He was one of the towering figures of the last 100 years—an American hero whose life and leadership truly earned him the title “God’s Ambassador.” Billy’s unshakeable belief in the power of God’s word to transform hearts gave hope to all who listened to his simple message: “God loves you.” He carried this message around the world through his crusades, bringing entire generations to faith in Jesus Christ. In the wake of the September 11th attacks in 2001, America turned to Billy Graham at the National Cathedral, who told us, “God can be trusted, even when life seems at its darkest.” Reverend Graham would be the first to say that he did not do it alone. Before her passing, his wife Ruth was by his side through it all—a true partner, a wonderful mother, and a fellow missionary soul. He also built an international team and institution that will continue to carry on Christ’s message. Melania and I were privileged to get to know Reverend Graham and his extraordinary family over the last several years, and we are deeply grateful for their love and support. Billy Graham was truly one of a kind. Christians and people of all faiths and backgrounds will miss him dearly. We are thinking of him today, finally at home in Heaven."

4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3} Billy Graham
   accessed 22 Feb 2018.
5.   Congressional Gold Medal Recipient.

   Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event.
   Ruth and Billy Graham February 13, 1996 P.L. 104-111, 110 Stat. 772-773
   http://history.house.gov/Institution/Gold-Medal/Gold-Medal-Recipients/ accessed 22 Feb 2018

6.   Https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/house-mourns-passing-rev-billy-graham accessed 22 Feb 2018.

   Statement on the Passing of the Rev. Billy Graham
   February 21, 2018|Speaker Ryan's Press Office
   WASHINGTON—House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement this morning on the passing of the Rev. Billy Graham:
   
   “The life and ministry of the Rev. Billy Graham was dedicated to a sweeping mission: proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every part of the world. Rev. Graham preached, in person, to more than 200 million people in 185 countries. Through books, radio, and television, he brought the Word of God into countless homes.
   
   “As soaring a figure as he was, Rev. Graham connected with people on an elemental level. His reach was rooted in decency, humility, and love. He set a tone of ecumenical inclusion, advocated civil rights, and refused to accept the segregation of those attending his crusades. Rev. Graham’s service is a testament that, with faith in God, one person can do so much good for the world.
   
   “Beyond his achievements as a preacher and counselor to presidents, Rev. Graham will be remembered as a devoted husband to the late Ruth Bell Graham and a loving family man. The whole House sends its condolences to the Graham family at this time of loss.”

7.   Https://www.speaker.gov/press-release/rev-billy-graham-lie-honor-us-capitol-rotunda accessed 22 Feb 2018.

   PRESS RELEASE
   Rev. Billy Graham to Lie in Honor in U.S. Capitol Rotunda
   February 22, 2018|Speaker Ryan Press Office
   WASHINGTON—On Wednesday, February 28, the late Rev. Billy Graham will be brought to the U.S. Capitol, where he will lie in honor in the Rotunda until Thursday, March 1. Members of the public and Capitol Hill community are invited to pay their respects to the late reverend while he lies in rest. Further logistical information and media guidance will be issued in the coming days.
   
   Upon the arrival of Rev. Graham’s casket, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will take part in a bicameral service.
   
   Rev. Billy Graham was an American evangelist and minister, internationally known for his devout faith, inherent humility, and inclusive nature. Born in 1918, he spread the gospel in 185 countries during his 99 years on Earth, touching the lives of many and forever changing the course of the world’s spiritual health. He served as an advisor to 12 consecutive U.S. presidents and reached millions more through radio, television, and film. Rev. Graham is survived by his five children and multiple grand- and great-grandchildren, fellow North Carolinians, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
   
   Read Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell’s formal letter of invitation to Rev. Franklin Graham here. For more on the life of Rev. Graham, see Speaker Ryan’s statement issued after news of his passing.

8. ↑ Billy Graham, in https://memorial.billygraham.org/
   accessed 22 Feb 2018.
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2} Cornwell, Patricia. Ruth a Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham. (New York City: Doubleday, 1997).
10. ↑ ^10.0 10.1 W Frank Graham Junior, in United States. 1940 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication T627).

    Name: W Frank Graham Junior [William Franklin Graham] [Billy Graham]
    Age: 21
    Estimated birth year: abt 1919
    Gender: Male
    Race: White
    Birthplace: North Carolina
    Marital Status: Single
    Relation to Head of House: Son
    Home in 1940: Sharon, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
    Map of Home in 1940: View Map
    Street: Park Road
    Inferred Residence in 1935: Sharon, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
    Residence in 1935: Same Place, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
    Resident on farm in 1935: Yes
    Sheet Number: 4B
    Attended School or College: Yes
    Highest Grade Completed: College, 3rd year
    Weeks Worked in 1939: 0
    Income: 0
    Income Other Sources: No
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Household Members:
    Name Age
    W Frank Graham 50
    Norson C Graham 47
    W Frank Graham 21
    Catherine Graham 19
    Melvin Graham 15
    Jean Graham 7

11. ↑ William Franklin “Billy” Graham, Jr., in RememberBilly
    Press Release Media Kit, accessed 19 Mar 2018.
12.   William F Graham, in United States. 1930 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication T626).

    Name: William F Graham [Billy Graham]
    Birth Year: abt 1919
    Gender: Male
    Race: White
    Birthplace: North Carolina
    Marital Status: Single
    Relation to Head of House: Son
    Home in 1930: Sharon, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, USA
    Map of Home: View Map
    Street address: Park Road
    Dwelling Number: 165
    Family Number: 177
    Attended School: Yes
    Able to Read and Write: Yes
    Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
    Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
    Able to Speak English: Yes
    Household Members:
    Name Age
    Frank W Graham 41
    Morrow Graham 38
    William F Graham 11
    Catherine M Graham 9
    Melvin C Graham 5

13.   Billie F Graham, in United States. 1920 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication T625).

    Name: Billie F Graham [Billy F Graham]
    Age: 1
    Birth Year: abt 1919
    Birthplace: North Carolina
    Home in 1920: Sharon, Mecklenburg, North Carolina
    Street: Park Road
    Residence Date: 1920
    Race: White
    Gender: Male
    Relation to Head of House: Son
    Marital Status: Single
    Father's name: W F Graham
    Father's Birthplace: North Carolina
    Mother's name: Marrow Graham
    Mother's Birthplace: North Carolina
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Household Members:
    Name Age
    W F Graham 30
    Marrow Graham 27
    Billie F Graham 1

14.   Billy Frank Graham, in North Carolina, United States. Birth Index, 1800-2000.

    Name: Billy Frank Graham
    Event Type: Birth
    Birth Date: 1918
    Birth County: Mecklenburg
    Parent1 Name: W Frank Graham
    Roll number: NCVR_B_C065_66001
    Volume: 15
    Page: 59
    Source Information
    Ancestry.com. North Carolina, Birth Indexes, 1800-2000 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
    Original data: Register of Deeds. North Carolina Birth Indexes. Raleigh, North Carolina: North Carolina State Archives. Microfilm.

15. ↑ William Frank Graham Jr, in United States. U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947. (Ancestry.com [database online], 2011).

    Name: William Frank Graham Jr [William Franklin Graham] [Billy Graham]
    Gender: Male
    Race: White
    Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
    Birth Place: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
    Birth Date: 7 Nov 1918
    Residence Place: Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, USA
    Household Members:
    Name Relationship
    William Frank Graham Self (Head)
    William Frank Graham Father

16. ↑ Reverend William Franklin Graham Jr.^?, in FamilySearch Family Tree
    (URL https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LBQJ-2JZ), accessed 2 Apr 2018.

    Name: Reverend William Franklin Graham Jr.
    Sex: Male
    Birth: 7 November 1918, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, United States
    Death: 21 February 2018, Little Piney Cove, Montreat, Buncombe, North Carolina, United States
    Burial: 2 March 2018, Billy Graham Library, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, United States

17. ↑ ^17.0 17.1 Honoring Billy Graham, in United States. Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the U.S. Congress. (Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress)
    115th Congress, 2nd Session Issue: Vol. 164, No. 35, Page H1276, 27 Feb 2018.

    Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to rise to honor the life of America's pastor. Last week we mourned the loss of Reverend Billy Graham, who passed away at the age of 99 in his beloved home of North Carolina. As one of the most influential pastors of the 20th century, Reverend Graham traveled the world to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to millions of people. In fact, he preached to more people than anyone who has ever lived. As a young man, I have very fond memories of my family all coming together to sit in front of the television to watch Reverend Graham's crusades. His message of God's love, mercy, forgiveness, and justice deeply influenced not only me but also many in our Nation's history. In today's day and age, we desperately need another Billy Graham to give hope to a deceived, confused, and hopeless populace. Reverend Graham preached the truth. He lived it. And we know that the truth will set us free. But more importantly, Billy Graham has heard the words from the Savior of the world: Well done, my good and faithful servant. Billy Graham will be sorely missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those millions of people he helped. And as Billy Graham would say, all glory be to God.