The Life & Legacy of America’s Pastor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – His mission in life: to save the lost. To let people know about the peace God offers through abundant life. He spread the gospel to more people and live audiences than anyone in history, over 210 million people in more than 185 countries. Billy Graham, the best known evangelist of our time, born right here in Charlotte in 1918.

One of Billy Graham’s first fiery crusades was in Los Angeles in 1949. He preached all over the world, from remote areas of Africa to the heart of New York City.

He ministered and advised dignitaries world wide, as well as nearly all modern day presidents. Forest Hill Pastor David Chadwick says, “And I think as he looked back, he realized that if you’re going to speak to power, you’d better be careful, because ultimately power can start to influence you, instead of you influencing power.”

Chadwick has known Graham, and his family, for years. He says, “I am deeply humbled by the reality that I had the privilege of getting to know him.”

Graham’s health faltered in recent years, and he had what was considered his last crusade in New York in June of 2005. He celebrated his 95th birthday at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, with more than 900 party guests including now President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania.

Graham and his wife Ruth lived in the mountains in North Carolina, but always considered Charlotte home. In 2007, The Billy Graham Library opened to the public in southwest Charlotte.

Wednesday was a busy day here at the library, as a steady stream of people showed up to pay their respects, and honor the day that Reverend Graham himself, was looking forward to.

Larry Wood of Mt. Holly says, “He made a statement earlier that the minute he died, that is announced that Billy Graham has died, that he is going to be the happiest person in the world, because he is not dead, he is more alive than he has ever been before.”

Charlotte resident Kimberly Brown heard Graham preach twice. She says, “I was in the back, and it was like he was talking to me as close as you are now, that’s how I felt.”

And now? Atlanta’s Cheryl Catron, visiting the library Wednesday, said, “We need to pass it to the next generation.”

Graham’s legacy will be the family he leaves behind, including son Franklin, and daughter Ann Graham Lotz, the millions he touched with the message of the gospel, and as Reverend Robert Lee IV says: a reminder of humanity. Lee says, “I think what sticks with me the most is his commitment to love people. He didn’t always get it right. He was a human, he was a flawed human being, as Romans says, all have sinned, all have fallen short of the glory of God. But ultimately, Billy Graham is the person who pointed people to his Savior.”

Reverend Graham will be buried beside his wife, Ruth, on the northeast side of The Billy Graham Library. His casket is made of pine and plywood, and lined with a mattress pad. It was made by inmates at Angola prison in Louisiana, at Graham’s request, in 2006.