Billy Graham was one of the most influential American evangelists of the 20th century. Known for his global ministry, powerful sermons, and deep moral convictions, Graham became a spiritual advisor to presidents and a household name in religious and political circles alike. His ministry reached hundreds of millions of people around the world, transcending denominational lines and uniting audiences with a message of hope, salvation, and faith.
In light of his enormous legacy and the passage of time, many people continue to ask: Is Billy Graham still alive? This article answers that question while revisiting his life, ministry, and lasting influence on Christianity in America and beyond.
Is Billy Graham Still Alive?
No, Billy Graham is not alive. He passed away on February 21, 2018, at the age of 99 at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. The cause of death was natural causes. His passing marked the end of an era in American evangelicalism, as Graham was regarded by many as the most prominent Christian evangelist of the 20th century.
Though he is no longer living, Billy Graham’s legacy endures through the ongoing work of his ministry, his published works, and the profound impact he had on millions of lives across the globe.
Early Life and Spiritual Calling
Billy Graham was born William Franklin Graham Jr. on November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raised in a Presbyterian family, he experienced a religious awakening during a revival meeting in 1934, which sparked a lifelong commitment to Christian ministry.
He attended Bob Jones College briefly before transferring to Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College of Florida) and later Wheaton College in Illinois. At Wheaton, he met and married Ruth Bell, the daughter of a missionary family, who would become his lifelong partner in faith and family.
It was during these formative years that Graham felt called to preach the gospel on a global scale.
Rise to Prominence
Billy Graham’s ministry gained national attention in 1949 during a series of revival meetings in Los Angeles. The “tent revival” was initially scheduled for three weeks but extended to eight weeks due to growing crowds and media attention. The event catapulted Graham into the national spotlight.
From there, he began holding large-scale evangelistic “crusades” across the country and internationally. His combination of charisma, humility, and powerful oratory drew massive audiences. Graham’s use of radio, television, and film to spread his message made him a pioneer of mass media evangelism.
By the 1950s, he had become a household name across America.
Global Evangelism and Crusades
Billy Graham preached in over 185 countries and territories, reaching an estimated 215 million people in person and countless more through broadcasts. His message emphasized salvation through Jesus Christ, repentance, and a personal relationship with God. Despite denominational differences, his sermons were widely accepted among Protestants, evangelicals, and even Catholics.
Major cities such as London, Seoul, Moscow, and New York saw record attendance at Graham’s crusades. In 1995, his event in Puerto Rico drew over 210,000 people. His global impact was unprecedented for a Christian preacher.
His 2005 New York City crusade marked the final evangelistic campaign he would lead in person.
Spiritual Advisor to Presidents
Billy Graham was known as “America’s pastor” and served as a spiritual advisor to twelve U.S. presidents, from Harry Truman to Barack Obama. His close relationships with Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton reflected his political reach and moral influence.
While Graham tried to remain nonpartisan in his preaching, his proximity to political leaders often placed him at the center of national conversations about morality, civil rights, and faith. He offered counsel during national tragedies and celebrations alike, including 9/11, the civil rights movement, and the Watergate scandal.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)
In 1950, Billy Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) to support his growing ministry. Based in Minneapolis, and later Charlotte, North Carolina, the BGEA became a hub for evangelistic campaigns, publications, radio programs, and charity work.
Key initiatives of the BGEA included:
- The Hour of Decision radio program
- Decision magazine, a Christian publication
- My Answer, a syndicated newspaper column
- Television specials and film productions through World Wide Pictures
The BGEA also developed tools for pastors and churches, including training programs and spiritual resources. After Graham’s retirement, his son Franklin Graham assumed leadership of the organization.
Retirement and Final Years
Billy Graham officially retired from public preaching in 2005. In his later years, he faced several health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, and hydrocephalus. Despite his declining health, he remained mentally sharp and spiritually engaged.
He spent much of his final years in Montreat, North Carolina, where he lived in a modest home and continued to write and reflect. His final book, Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond, was published in 2015.
Graham remained devoted to prayer, scripture, and correspondence with ministry leaders until his death in 2018.
Funeral and National Honors
Billy Graham’s passing was marked by tributes from around the world. His body lay in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda—an extremely rare distinction usually reserved for national leaders—making him the first religious leader to receive the honor.
His funeral service was held on March 2, 2018, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended by national and international dignitaries, including the U.S. president at the time. The service was simple, reflecting Graham’s humility, and was held under a tent in homage to his early Los Angeles crusades.
The service emphasized his commitment to Christ and his global impact on faith.
Personal Life and Family
Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth Bell Graham, were married for over 60 years until her passing in 2007. They had five children: Franklin, Anne, Ruth, Gigi, and Ned—several of whom followed in his footsteps in ministry.
Franklin Graham, in particular, has become a prominent evangelist and currently leads the BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian organization. Anne Graham Lotz is also an author and speaker.
Graham’s personal life was marked by discipline, fidelity, and simplicity. He avoided financial scandal and maintained strict personal boundaries during his ministry, which further enhanced his credibility and respect.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Billy Graham’s influence extended beyond the pulpit. He helped define 20th-century evangelical Christianity and was instrumental in shaping the global evangelical movement. He promoted racial integration during a time of deep division and supported unity among Christian denominations.
He authored more than 30 books, many of which became bestsellers. Titles such as Just As I Am and The Reason for My Hope have continued to inspire millions of readers.
Graham’s life is often cited as a model for ethical leadership, humble service, and gospel-centered preaching. His legacy is studied in theological schools, commemorated in museums, and celebrated in churches around the world.
The Billy Graham Library
Opened in 2007, the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves as a museum and memorial dedicated to his life and ministry. The library includes:
- Exhibits on his crusades
- Artifacts from his personal and public life
- Multimedia presentations of his sermons
- A replica of the tent from his early Los Angeles crusade
- His and Ruth’s final resting place
The library continues to attract thousands of visitors annually and functions as an educational and spiritual resource for those seeking to understand his work and message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Billy Graham still alive?
No, Billy Graham passed away on February 21, 2018, at the age of 99 due to natural causes.
What was Billy Graham known for?
He was known for his international evangelistic crusades, powerful preaching, and as a spiritual advisor to U.S. presidents and millions of people worldwide.
Who leads Billy Graham’s ministry now?
His son, Franklin Graham, currently leads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse.
What did Billy Graham believe?
Billy Graham believed in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of scripture, the importance of evangelism, and living a life aligned with Christian values.
Where is Billy Graham buried?
He is buried on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, beside his wife, Ruth Bell Graham.
Conclusion
Billy Graham is no longer alive, but his impact lives on through his sermons, writings, and the continued work of his ministry. His legacy transcends generations and denominations, reminding people of the power of faith, the importance of humility, and the reach of one life committed to serving God.
As a preacher, counselor, author, and moral voice for decades, Billy Graham helped shape the spiritual landscape of the modern world. Though he has passed, his message of love, salvation, and hope continues to echo through the lives he touched and the gospel he preached.