Presidents Pay Tribute to Rev. Billy Graham
- Updated Feb 21, 2018
President Donald Trump and former presidents are praising Billy Graham’s life work after the evangelist died Wednesday.
Graham was 99.
“The GREAT Billy Graham is dead,” President Trump tweeted. “There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.”
Graham was a counselor for many U.S. presidents. He also spread the Gospel message on his worldwide crusades.
“Billy Graham's ministry for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his matchless voice changed the lives of millions,” Vice President Mike Pence tweeted. “We mourn his passing but I know with absolute certainty that today he heard those words, ‘well done good and faithful servant.’ Thank you Billy Graham. God bless you.”
Former President George H.W. Bush called Graham “America’s pastor” and said he was glad to have known the evangelist.
"His faith in Christ and his totally honest evangelical spirit inspired people across the country and around the world," Bush said. "I think Billy touched the hearts of not only Christians, but people of all faiths, because he was such a good man. I was privileged to have him as a personal friend."
Graham was counselor to presidents from Gen. Dwight Eisenhower’s term to George W. Bush.
“Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Reverend Billy Graham,” said former President Jimmy Carter. “Tirelessly spreading a message of fellowship and hope, he shaped the spiritual lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. Broad-minded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve."
Photo: Franklin Graham, Billy Graham, and former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton bow their heads in prayer during the Billy Graham Library Dedication Service on May 31, 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Approximately 1500 guests attended the private dedication ceremony for the library, which chronicles the life and teachings of Evangelist Billy Graham. Former U.S. Presidents Clinton, Carter and Bush made short speeches during the dedication ceremony.
Photo courtesy: Davis Turner/Getty Images
Publication date: February 21, 2018
