Family Remembers Rev. Billy Graham
Patriarch preacher inspired millions, including his closest kin.
CHARLOTTE, NC — Father. Brother. Uncle. Grandfather. The Reverend Billy Graham was more than a minister.
His family is remembering the man they knew behind the scenes; a patriarch preacher who inspired millions, including his closest kin.
“The world knew him as Billy Graham the evangelist,” says Jean Graham Ford, Billy Graham’s sister. “And we knew him as Billy Frank, our brother.”
Jean Graham Ford calls her big brother Billy her hero.
I sat with Jean and her husband Leighton, who met Billy Graham in Canada when Leighton was 17, to talk about the man they knew; the man who helped bring the Fords together.
“He was kind of a long range matchmaker for us,” says Leighton Ford, Graham’s brother-in-law. “And he married us 64 years ago. He said, he made a slip of the tongue. He said: ‘Leighton and Jean have exchanged wings, instead of rings’.”
Billy Graham’s daughter Ann Graham Lotz says:
“While he may be physically absent and his voice silent, I am confident that his message will continue to reverberate throughout the generations to come.”
The Graham family is celebrating a life, and remembering the brother, father and uncle they knew.
“My uncle was very humble,” says Melvin Graham, Billy Graham’s nephew. “Just down to earth. Very, very kind. And took the time, always took time with us. It was just a unique, unique privilege to be able to grow up and see that from behind the scenes.”
The Fords shared a story about their daughter Debbie, battling cancer, and an unexpected meeting with her uncle, in a wheelchair, at the famed Mayo Clinic.
“He talked to her,” says Jean. “And she said as she got up to leave: ‘You preached to millions all over the world, this is the best sermon you’ve ever preached. To take me in your lap and love me, when I’m scared’.”
Billy Graham leaves behind five children, 19 grandchildren and a number of great-grand children.
