Celebrated Preacher Billy Graham Passes Away At 99
One of the nation's inspirational church leaders has passed away. Reverend Billy Graham was 99 years old when he died at his home in Montreat, South Carolina.
Graham's Powerful Legacy
The legendary preacher spent decades inspiring countless Americans and people around the world to find religion.
According to CNN, the iconic preacher prayed with 10 former Presidents of the United States including Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and George Herbert Walker Bush. While the 10 prayed with the legendary Evangelical Christian leader, Lyndon B. Johnson, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush turned to the deceased religious leader for advice.
Some of Graham's memorable moments throughout his life included founding the Billy Graham Evangelical Association. According to USA Today, the Billy Graham Evangelical Association traveled to over 185 countries for 400 life-changing crusades. Throughout his travels, Graham prayed to over 215 million people.
He also used his organization to break into media. Graham launched the Hour of Decision radio show on Nov. 5, 1950. For 66 years, The Hour of Decision gave listeners stories about hope and religion to help them get through life's different challenges. Graham also founded the TV Telephone Ministry in 1980, which according to USA Today, used volunteers to assist them in finding God and dealing with personal crises.
Twitter Divided
Many Twitter users took to the social media networking website to pay homage to Mr. Graham. Some religious advocates took to Twitter to tweet their thoughts and prayers regarding Mr. Graham's passing. Meanwhile, several prominent minority leaders gave the deceased religious backlash for not standing up for their rights while he was alive.
Notable Twitter Tributes
When news broke of Graham's passing, many of the United States' top leaders reached out to offer their condolences to the Graham family and his devoted followers.
"The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man," President Donald Trump tweeted.
Former President Barack Obama, who recently returned to the national spotlight after the National Portrait Gallery unveiled his official portrait, left a thoughtful remark regarding Mr. Graham's passing.
"Billy Graham was a humble servant who prayed for so many- and who, with wisdom and grace, gave hope and guidance to generations of Americans," wrote the former President.
Another former president that took to Twitter was Bill Clinton.
"Billy Graham lived his faith fully, and his powerful words and the conviction they carried touched countless hearts and minds," wrote former President Clinton.
First Lady Melania Trump also joined the chorus of tributes.
"Saddened by the loss of Evangelist Billy Graham. He led an impactful life, touching so many people with his spiritual teachings. He will be deeply missed," tweeted The First Lady.
Rest In Peace
Graham was not the only person in the public eye that passed away this year.
Denmark mourned their ruler Queen Margrethe II's husband, Prince Henrik, on Feb. 13, 2018. While his country loved him, he had a hard time fitting into the Danish culture. However, he was able to reach the hearts and minds of his younger subjects following an appearance with Danish pop group Michael Learns to Rock.
House of Cards actor Reg E. Cathey passed away at 59-years-old on Feb. 9. In addition to portraying former White House groundskeeper Freddie Hayes, Cathey also made appearances on numerous television shows such as The Blacklist, Inside Amy Schumer, and The Wire.
Celebrated actor John Mahoney passed away at 77 years old. He spent 11 years portraying Martin Crane opposite Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce in the fan-favorite NBC sitcom Frasier.
