Known as America's most influential Christian leader, Graham was an American Evangelist, author, and ordained Southern Baptist minister who was known internationally for his revivals and is considered the most influential Christian leader of the 20th century. He led crusades for six decades and hosted a radio show called Hour of Decision. It is believed that he preached to live audiences that numbered 210 million people in more than 185 countries. In addition, he was considered the spiritual advisor to the U.S. Presidents from Harry Truman to Barack Obama. Graham was especially good friends of Eisenhower, Johnson, and Nixon. He preached the gospel to more people than any other in Christian history. He was also a bestselling author of nearly 30 books.
Billy Graham died of natural causes following a period of declining health on Feb. 21, 2018 at the age of 99 at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. His physician said that the cause of his death was that "he just wore out."
Following his death, his body was taken by procession from Asheville to the Billy Graham library in Charlotte and crowds gathered for the 130 mile journey. His body lie in repose for two days in his childhood home. His simple pine plywood casket was made by the inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary and was lined with a mattress pad. On top of the casket was a wooden cross the prisoners nailed in place. It was built by Richard "Grasshopper" Liggett. Grasshopper said of Graham "Billy Graham was a simple man who preached a simple message. He must be buried in a simple casket." His casket was closed as hundreds of people passed by over the two day period. The prisoners also built the casket for his late wife, Ruth Bell Graham. Following the two day visitation in Charlotte, Graham's body and his family were flown to Washington D.C. where his body lie in honor (only the fourth ever) in the Capitol Rotunda for two days. The Graham casket was then flown back to the library in Charlotte
and his funeral was held under a massive 28000 sq. ft. tent similar to that used during Graham's 1949 crusade (known as the "canvas cathedral" that was held in Los Angeles. His funeral was attended by more than 2000 guests and family that included President Donald Trump and V.P. Mike Pence along with politicians, religious leaders and celebrities. Billy's son Franklin along with other family members spoke. His family referred to Graham's funeral as his "Last Crusade" in the hopes that it would generate others to the Gospel. Following the service, Graham's casket and pallbearers followed by his family and friends escorted his body to the burial site known as the Prayer Garden located on the library grounds and he was laid to rest beside his beloved Ruth Bell Graham.
His gravemarker made of native stone is etched with the words Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ John 14.6
Following his death, his body was taken by procession from Asheville to the Billy Graham library in Charlotte and crowds gathered for the 130 mile journey. His body lie in repose for two days in his childhood home. His simple pine plywood casket was made by the inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary and was lined with a mattress pad. On top of the casket was a wooden cross the prisoners nailed in place. It was built by Richard "Grasshopper" Liggett. Grasshopper said of Graham "Billy Graham was a simple man who preached a simple message. He must be buried in a simple casket." His casket was closed as hundreds of people passed by over the two day period. The prisoners also built the casket for his late wife, Ruth Bell Graham. Following the two day visitation in Charlotte, Graham's body and his family were flown to Washington D.C. where his body lie in honor (only the fourth ever) in the Capitol Rotunda for two days. The Graham casket was then flown back to the library in Charlotte
