William Franklin Graham Jr. (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) was an American evangelist, Southern Baptist minister, and civil rights advocate. Over six decades, he became a leading evangelical Christian figure, filling stadiums worldwide with live sermons broadcast via radio and television.
He opposed racial segregation and invited Martin Luther King Jr. to preach in 1957. Graham was close to U.S. presidents, influenced millions, and preached to billions through media. He appeared on Gallup’s most admired list 61 times, earning the title “Great Legitimator.”
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Billy Graham Net Worth
Billy Graham had a net worth of $25 million at the time of his death in 2018. He was a Southern Baptist who gained celebrity status as his sermons were broadcast on radio and television stations nationwide and globally. Throughout his career, Billy sponsored, organized, and funded large-scale training conferences for Christian evangelists.
It is estimated that his sermons reached an audience of over 2.2 billion people via television and radio. His organization has produced over 30 books, a magazine, and a satellite network that reaches millions globally.
Early life
William Franklin Graham Jr. was born on November 7, 1918, near Charlotte, North Carolina, to Morrow Coffey and William Franklin Graham Sr. Raised on a dairy farm, he developed an early love for reading.
Converted at 16 after hearing Mordecai Ham, he later attended Bob Jones College, Florida Bible Institute, and Wheaton College, earning a degree in anthropology. Ordained in 1939, he pastored churches and launched the Songs in the Night radio program. In 1948, he co-founded Youth for Christ and became Northwestern Bible College’s youngest president.
Career
Billy Graham pastored First Baptist Church in Western Springs, Illinois (1943–1944) and launched Songs in the Night radio in 1945. In 1948, at 29, he became Northwestern Bible College president, serving until 1952. His 1949 Los Angeles crusades gained national attention. In 1950, he founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Inspired by the civil rights movement, he opposed segregation, befriended Martin Luther King Jr., and integrated crusades. Though they clashed over Vietnam, Graham posted King’s bail multiple times and supported events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Birmingham crusades.
Personal life
On August 13, 1943, Billy Graham married Ruth Bell, a Wheaton classmate whose parents were Presbyterian missionaries in China. Ruth’s father, L. Nelson Bell, was a surgeon. Ruth passed away on June 14, 2007, at age 87. They were married for 64 years and had five children: Virginia (Gigi) Leftwich Graham Tchividjian (b. 1945),
Anne Graham Lotz (b. 1948), Ruth Graham (b. 1950), Franklin Graham (b. 1952), and Nelson Edman Graham (b. 1958). Billy Graham died in 2018 at age 99, survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
What was Billy Graham’s yearly salary?
In the late 1970s, Billy Graham’s annual salary was reported as $39,500. Despite this modest income, Graham was known for his generosity, reportedly giving away substantial amounts of money. His financial management reflected his commitment to a life centered around faith and service.
Conclusion
Billy Graham’s life was a testament to his profound impact on both the spiritual and secular worlds. His legacy, marked by his dedication to evangelism, his influence on key social and political issues, and his financial stewardship, remains a compelling narrative of faith intersecting with worldly affairs.
FAQs about Billy Graham
- What were the core beliefs of Billy Graham’s ministry? Billy Graham’s ministry centered around a message of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing personal transformation and a commitment to Christian living.
- How did Billy Graham’s upbringing influence his ministry? Raised in a Christian home, Graham’s upbringing instilled in him a strong moral foundation and a deep sense of faith, which later became central to his ministry.
- What role did Billy Graham play in the civil rights movement? Graham was an advocate for racial integration in his crusades and worked closely with civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., to promote equality and social justice.
- What was the global reach of Billy Graham’s crusades? Graham’s crusades reached millions worldwide, spanning continents and cultures, making him one of the most recognized religious figures globally.
- How has Billy Graham’s legacy influenced modern evangelicalism? His legacy continues to influence modern evangelicalism through his teachings, his approach to ministry, and the organizations he established, which persist in promoting his evangelical mission.
