Twitter reflects on legacy of Billy Graham after news of his death
People are mourning the loss of influential evangelist Billy Graham after news of his death broke early Wednesday. He was 99.
Born William Franklin Graham in North Carolina, the religious leader was known as “America’s pastor.” He also had a huge global following through his radio and television ministry, reaching millions.
Throughout his career, which spanned more than 70 years, he developed relationships with politicians and activists, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents Harry Truman, Richard Nixon and Barack Obama.
As details regarding his death hit the internet, many flocked to social media to write condolences. Several said they were sad to hear about his passing.
» RELATED: Former President Jimmy Carter on death of Billy Graham
Sad to hear about the homegoing of Rev. Billy Graham. We will be praying for his family, but we as Believers know that the moment he closed his eyes here on earth, he opened them in the portals of Glory. @Franklin_Graham
— Gabriel Swaggart (@GabeSwaggart) February 21, 2018
Sad news... Reverend Billy Graham has passed away at the age of 99. #RIP
— Buck Lanford (@BuckFOX5) February 21, 2018
I was sad to learn of the passing of Billy Graham at age 99. He was a godly man who preached the Gospel faithfully. May each one of us be faithful to the end. #John3:16
— Michael A Youssef (@MichaelAYoussef) February 21, 2018
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Some praised him for his dedication and passion, while also reflecting on the lives he affected. Many called him “kind” and “amazing.”
Reverend Billy Graham...a great man....he prayed with and for everyone. He was very kind and very humble. pic.twitter.com/K2mLJbrcdB
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) February 21, 2018
I am reminded of my childhood with my baptist grandmother watching dubbed Billy Graham sermons. He was kind of a rockstar. RIP
— De las Mercedes (@fdlm) February 21, 2018
Rev. Billy Graham was an amazing man of God who truly affected the world for Jesus. What a man with a passion for wanting to know Jesus and tell everyone else about Him. https://t.co/nNRbJa5Ae4
— Joseph Martin (@jjmart7) February 21, 2018
I thank God for the integrity and faithful walk that Billy Graham modeled for us. Appreciated his passion for seeing people come to know Jesus.
— Mike Leake (@mikeleake) February 21, 2018
» RELATED: Billy Graham quotes: Christianity made accessible to millions
Others chimed in with their favorite quotes from Graham.
I am not going to Heaven because I have preached to great crowds or read the Bible many times. I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.' - Billy Graham pic.twitter.com/zYAxDq6osG
— Building 429 (@building429) February 21, 2018
“(When I’m gone) I want to hear 1 person say something nice about me...& that’s the Lord—‘Well done, good & faithful servant!’”
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) February 21, 2018
-Billy Graham
Billy heard those words this morning & so will 3 million others b/c of his life
"Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God." Billy Graham
— David Platt (@plattdavid) February 21, 2018
While a few criticized some of his preachings and political ideas, they still expressed their respect for him.
While I can't say I agree with all of his Billy Graham's views (mostly political), unlike most of so called evangelicals today, he actually lived his life like Jesus teaches you to. I just wish his movement wasn't taken over by men who used it for profit over teachings
— Jose Mendez (@mikenicetwin89) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham died today at the ripe old age of 99.
— Greg Leichty (@CuriousGreg) February 21, 2018
I sometimes didn't agree with him, but I always respected him.
Ive been critical of many evangelicals...to the point of hate...but never billy Graham wansnt perfect but always preached faith over politics...gods love over hate...RIP good man...may your followers learn a lesson in humanity and peace before it is too late https://t.co/1c9dkn167n
— The Starkman (@Starkman88) February 21, 2018
I know there’s a negative stigma attached to televangelists, but I always had a favorable opinion of Billy Graham. RIP, sir.
— Marcus (@ShyMarcus) February 21, 2018
» RELATED: Biographical details on the Rev. Billy Graham
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
