Southern Baptist Convention Billy Graham

Graham's enduring legacy is that he helped shape the modern-day American right. Graham's rallies, known popularly as “crusades,” attracted millions of people all over the globe. His influence extended deep into American politics, and he provided spiritual counsel to several American presidents, from Harry S.

Ruth GrahamBilly Graham / Wife (m. 1943–2007) Billy Graham, who passed away this week at age 99, was not only the world's best-known evangelist who prayed with U.S. presidents on both sides of the political aisle, he was also a faithful husband - married 63 years to Ruth Graham with whom he raised five children.

71 years (July 14, 1952)Franklin Graham / Age

* Graham grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a Presbyterian with dreams of playing professional baseball. His conversion to the Southern Baptist faith came in 1934 at the age of 16 when he heard a travelling evangelist in his hometown.

The Pope message said he was mindful of Rev. Graham's "long and dedicated service to the Gospel," and he commends the Reverend's soul to the merciful love of Almighty God.

1. "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost." 2. "My home is in Heaven.

Graham's popular appeal was the result of his extraordinary charisma, his forceful preaching, and his simple, homespun message: anyone who repents of sins and accepts Jesus Christ will be saved.

Graham died at 7:46 a.m., with only an attending nurse inside the home, said Mark DeMoss, spokesman for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Both the nurse and Graham's longtime personal physician, Dr. Lucian Rice, who arrived about 20 minutes later, said it was “a peaceful passing,” DeMoss said.

Much is unknown about the famous evangelist's wealth. According to the wealth-tracking site TheRichest.com, Billy Graham's net worth was an estimated $25 million at the time of his death. That would rank Graham as one of America's eight richest pastors, Beliefnet.com reported.

Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

PreacherWriterEvangelistMissionaryTelevangelist Franklin Graham/Professions