Billy Graham (1918-2018) was an American Evangelical Christian preacher and author who was one of the most influential religious figures of the 20th century. Born in North Carolina, he became a preacher at the age of 16 and went on to become a leading figure in the American Evangelical movement.
Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions of people through his "Crusades," large-scale revival meetings that were held in cities across the world. He also advised several US Presidents and was an outspoken advocate for civil rights, working with Martin Luther King Jr. on several occasions.
Graham's powerful preaching style and commitment to spreading the gospel made him one of the most well-known religious figures in the world. He wrote numerous books, including his autobiography "Just As I Am," which became a best-seller. He was also a strong advocate for ecumenism, working to bridge the divide between different Christian denominations.
Despite his numerous controversies and criticism from some quarters, Billy Graham remained a beloved figure and a source of inspiration for millions of Christians throughout the world. He continued to preach and lead religious events until shortly before his death in 2018, at the age of 99.