What Happened to William Franklin Graham Jr.?
Billy Graham was a globally renowned American evangelist who preached the Christian Gospel to hundreds of millions of people across six continents over more than six decades. He became known as 'America's Pastor' and a spiritual advisor to numerous U.S. presidents. Graham passed away in 2018 at the age of 99, but his legacy continues through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, led by his son Franklin Graham and grandson Will Graham, which actively conducts evangelistic outreaches worldwide in 2026.
Quick Answer
Billy Graham, the influential American evangelist, passed away on February 21, 2018, at the age of 99 in Montreat, North Carolina. Throughout his life, he preached to an estimated 215 million people in person and billions more through media, becoming a spiritual confidant to U.S. presidents and a leading voice in evangelical Christianity. His ministry continues today through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), which, as of 2026, is still actively conducting global evangelistic events and media outreaches under the leadership of his son, Franklin Graham, and grandson, Will Graham.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born William Franklin Graham Jr.
Billy Graham was born on a dairy farm near Charlotte, North Carolina.
Religious Conversion
At age 16, Graham committed his life to Christ during a revival led by evangelist Mordecai Ham in Charlotte, NC.
Ordained as Southern Baptist Minister
Graham was ordained by a group of Southern Baptist clergy at Peniel Baptist Church in Palatka, Florida.
Graduates Wheaton College and Marries Ruth Bell
He earned a degree in anthropology from Wheaton College and married Ruth Bell, the daughter of missionaries.
First Billy Graham Crusade
Graham held his first evangelistic campaign in Grand Rapids, Michigan, marking the beginning of his large-scale public ministry.
Los Angeles Crusade Launches National Prominence
A series of revival meetings in Los Angeles, originally scheduled for three weeks, extended to eight, catapulting Graham into the national spotlight.
Founds Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)
The BGEA was incorporated to support and expand his growing evangelistic work, including media outreach.
Tears Down Segregation Ropes in Chattanooga
In a bold move against racial segregation, Graham personally removed ropes dividing white and Black attendees at a crusade in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Historic New York City Crusade
Graham held an unprecedented 16-week crusade at Madison Square Garden, drawing over 2.3 million people and featuring Martin Luther King Jr. as a guest speaker.
Awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Billy and Ruth Bell Graham were jointly awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress.
Final Crusade in New York City
Graham held his last major evangelistic crusade in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, New York City, marking his retirement from large-scale public events.
Passes Away at Age 99
Billy Graham died at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
BGEA Announces Extensive 2026 Global Outreaches
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, led by Franklin and Will Graham, announces plans for major evangelistic festivals and celebrations across several countries and U.S. cities throughout 2026.
Franklin Graham Leads Prayer at White House Easter Lunch
Franklin Graham joined faith leaders at the White House Easter lunch, delivering a prayer for national leadership and global concerns during Holy Week.
Franklin Graham's Easter Message Airs Nationally
Franklin Graham's message, 'What is Truth?', filmed in Minneapolis, premiered on national television networks and online for Easter Sunday.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
William Franklin Graham Jr. was born on November 7, 1918, near Charlotte, North Carolina, and grew up on a dairy farm. His life took a pivotal turn at age 16 when he experienced a religious conversion during a revival led by evangelist Mordecai Ham in 1934. This experience ignited his passion for preaching, leading him to be ordained as a Southern Baptist minister in 1939 and to pursue studies at Wheaton College.
Graham rose to international prominence in the mid-22th century, particularly after his highly successful 1949 Los Angeles Crusade, which was extended for five weeks due to overwhelming attendance. In 1950, he founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) to manage his burgeoning ministry, which expanded to include radio programs like 'Hour of Decision,' syndicated newspaper columns, films, and television broadcasts. His large-scale 'crusades,' later referred to as 'missions,' filled stadiums worldwide, reaching an estimated 215 million people in person across more than 185 countries and territories.
Beyond his evangelistic efforts, Graham was a significant cultural and political figure. He advised 12 consecutive U.S. presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama, earning him the moniker 'Pastor to Presidents.' He was also a staunch advocate for civil rights, notably tearing down ropes separating segregated seating at a 1953 Chattanooga crusade and inviting Martin Luther King Jr. to speak at his 1957 New York City Crusade. His influence was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996. He appeared on Gallup's list of most admired men and women a record 61 times.
Graham concluded his public crusade ministry in 2005 with a final event in New York City. In his later years, he battled various health issues, including Parkinson's disease. He passed away peacefully at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, on February 21, 2018, at the age of 99. His death marked the end of an era for evangelical Christianity, but his legacy continues to resonate globally.
As of April 5, 2026, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association remains highly active, led by Billy Graham's son, Franklin Graham, as President and CEO, and grandson, Will Graham, as Executive Vice President. The BGEA has announced an extensive global itinerary for 2026, including evangelistic festivals in Cambodia, South Korea, Spain, and England. Franklin Graham is also a confirmed speaker for CPAC USA 2026 in March and delivered a nationally televised Easter message titled 'What is Truth?' on April 5, 2026. Furthermore, on April 1, 2026, Franklin Graham led a prayer at the White House Easter lunch, underscoring the ongoing intersection of faith and governance.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if William Franklin Graham Jr. made different choices?