Who Is Billy Graham? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Billy Graham, born on November 7, 1918, was a prominent American evangelist noted for his impactful Christian ministry. His remarkable life spanned nearly a century, during which he brought the message of Christianity to millions through crusades, television broadcasts, and literature. Despite passing away on February 21, 2018, Graham's teachings and legacy continue to resonate with believers and non-believers alike, making his biography a subject of ongoing interest.
In 2025, Billy Graham would have been 106 years old if he were alive, celebrated for his humanitarian work and the spiritual guidance he offered through his unwavering faith and public speaking prowess. His Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of his life, work, and the depths of his influence, accessible at Billy Graham's Wikipedia.
Occupation | Autobiographer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 7, 1918 |
Age | 99 Years |
Birth Place | Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
Horoscope | Scorpio |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 21 February, 2018 |
Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Billy Graham's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific physical measurements and weight details of Billy Graham are less documented, he was known for his tall stature. He stood at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm). Throughout his life, Graham maintained a healthy lifestyle, focusing on physical fitness to uphold the demands of his extensive travel and preaching schedule.
Graham's faith prompted his maturing view of race and segregation. He told a member of the Ku Klux Klan that integration was necessary, primarily for religious reasons. "There is no scriptural basis for segregation," Graham argued. "The ground at the foot of the cross is level, and it touches my heart when I see whites standing shoulder to shoulder with blacks at the cross."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Billy Graham was married to Ruth Bell Graham from 1943 until her passing in 2007. Their unwavering commitment to each other is often highlighted in discussions about his life. Together, they had five children: Virginia, Anne, Ruth, Franklin, and Nelson. Franklin Graham, their son, has continued his father’s legacy by leading the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, further expanding on the family’s religious commitment.
Though Graham's personal relationships outside of his marriage remain undisclosed, his long and loving partnership with his wife is a cornerstone of his family narrative.
According to a biographer, Graham was considered "among the most influential Christian leaders" of the 20th century.
Beginning in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Graham became known for filling stadiums and other massive venues around the world where he preached live sermons; these were often broadcast via radio and television with some continuing to be seen into the 21st century.
During his six decades on television, Graham hosted his annual "crusades", evangelistic live-campaigns, from 1947 until his retirement in 2005. He also hosted the radio show Hour of Decision from 1950 to 1954.
He openly repudiated racial segregation, at a time of intense racial strife in the United States, insisting on racial integration for all of his revivals and crusades, as early as 1953. He also later invited Martin Luther King Jr. to preach jointly at a revival in New York City in 1957.
In addition to his religious aims, he helped shape the worldview of a huge number of people who came from different backgrounds, leading them to find a relationship between the Bible and contemporary secular viewpoints.
According to his website, Graham spoke to live audiences consisting of at least 210 million people, in more than 185 countries and territories, through various meetings, including BMS World Mission and Global Mission event.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2018, Billy Graham's net worth was estimated to be around $25 million, accumulated through his evangelistic work, book sales, and contributions from his various speaking engagements. His integrity and transparency in financial matters garnered respect, and he often emphasized that the funds raised were used to support charitable causes and further the missionary work of the church. In 2025, his financial legacy continues to influence the ministries and charitable organizations inspired by his work.
Career, Business, and Investments
Billy Graham's career was defined by his extraordinary ability to connect with people through faith. He founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950, which became a powerful platform for his crusades and outreach. Graham also authored numerous books and hosted a popular radio program, "The Hour of Decision," which extended his reach to various audiences.
Additionally, his investments in media and broadcasting helped pave the way for the integration of faith and television, allowing him to touch millions who might not attend church services. His approach to evangelism in a modern context has influenced many other evangelists and religious leaders worldwide.
William Franklin Graham Jr. (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) was an American evangelist, ordained Southern Baptist minister, and civil rights advocate, whose broadcasts and world tours featuring live sermons became well known in the mid- to late 20th century.
Throughout his career, spanning over six decades, Graham rose to prominence as an evangelical Christian figure in the United States and abroad.
Social Network
Though Billy Graham did not engage in modern social media platforms during his lifetime, his messages have continued to proliferate online through various ministries and fan pages. Websites like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association continue to share his sermons, quotes, and teachings, ensuring his philosophies reach new generations.
With World War II underway, Graham applied to become a chaplain in the United States Army.
After he was initially turned down for being underweight, Graham was awarded a commission as a Second Lieutenant, but came down with a severe case of mumps in October 1944 before he could begin chaplain training at Harvard Divinity School and was bedridden for six weeks.
Due to his illness and the fact that the war was expected to end soon, he was discharged from the army. After a period of recuperation in Florida, he was hired as the first full-time evangelist of the new Youth for Christ (YFC), co-founded by Torrey Johnson and the Canadian evangelist Charles Templeton.
In his first year as a YFC evangelist, Graham spoke in 47 US states. He traveled extensively as an evangelist in the United States and Europe in the immediate post-war era, making his first overseas trip in 1946.
Education
Graham's educational journey began at the Florida Bible Institute and subsequently continued at Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove and Wheaton College in Illinois, where he graduated in 1943. His education played a significant role in shaping his theological views and public speaking abilities. The knowledge he gained helped him communicate effectively to large audiences and convey his messages of faith and hope.
After graduating from Sharon High School in May 1936, Graham attended Bob Jones College. After one semester, he found that the coursework and rules were too legalistic. He was almost expelled, but Bob Jones Sr.
warned him not to throw his life away: "At best, all you could amount to would be a poor country Baptist preacher somewhere out in the sticks... You have a voice that pulls. God can use that voice of yours. He can use it mightily."