Graham, Billy (1918-2018), was an influential American evangelist who gained international recognition. Graham traveled throughout the United States and to many other countries preaching the Christian Gospel to millions of people. His inclusive message, use of electronic media, and scandal-free lifestyle contributed to his success. He often was called “America’s pastor” for his ministry to U.S. presidents and his comforting words during times of national tragedy.
Graham’s early work in the United States and England for the “Youth for Christ Crusade” led him and his colleagues to conduct a large-scale evangelistic campaign in Los Angeles, California, in 1949. His success there influenced him to engage solely in large-scale evangelism. Graham conducted evangelistic campaigns in the United States, England, Scotland, the Soviet Union, the Middle East, the Far East, and Africa.
Graham started a radio program, “The Hour of Decision,” which was carried by the American Broadcasting Company from 1950 to 2014. He also appeared on TV and made several religious movies. He wrote more than 30 books on faith and Christianity, beginning with Calling Youth to Christ (1947). His most influential works include World Aflame (1965), The Jesus Generation (1971), Angels: God’s Secret Agents (1975), Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1983), Hope for the Troubled Heart (1991), and Hope for Each Day (2002). Graham also wrote an autobiography, Just As I Am (1997, updated 2007). He shared his personal experiences on aging in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well (2011) and his faith in Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity and Our Life Beyond (2015).
Born on Nov. 7, 1918, near Charlotte, North Carolina, William Franklin Graham graduated from Wheaton (Illinois) College. He was ordained in 1940. Graham retired from active ministry in 2005. He died on Feb. 21, 2018, at the age of 99. Several of Graham’s children, including his son Franklin, also joined the Christian ministry.
