William Franklin Graham Jr., was born on the 7th November 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina USA, of part-Scottish descent, and was a preacher, considered to be the father of American evangelism. Graham was initially ordained as a Southern Baptist minister, but Billy became the first television preacher, who first rose to the fame for his preaching at New York’s Madison Square Garden arena. His sermons were delivered to 210 million people in 185 countries, often to huge audiences in sports stadia and with the aid of interpreters. He wrote more than 30 books, most of which became best-sellers. He passed away in 2018.
How much was Billy Graham’s net worth? It has been estimated by authoritative sources that his wealth was over $25 million, as of today – accumulated during his career in the ministry which spanned over seven decades.
Billy Graham Net Worth $25 Million
Billy was raised on a farm near Charlotte, with his three siblings. He was educated at Sharon High School, then entered Bob Jones College, but dropped out of it to study at the Florida Bible Institute. While still studying he founded his own ministry, as he was ordained to be a pastor by the United Gospel Tabernacle. Meanwhile, Graham did his duties as a pastor in the First Baptist Church located in Western Springs, Illinois, though he served there only from 1943 to 1944. However, the net worth and popularity of Billy Graham jumped after his appearances on the mass/media.
The pastor made his debut launching the radio program entitled “Songs In the Night” (1944–1945), however it was not successful, and due to the low ratings it was closed. Later, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was founded, which launched a number of television and radio programs, and released films which made the pastor not only famous but also rich; the association launched magazines too. Among the most significant works were the radio program “Hour of Decision” which was aired for more than 50 years on various radio stations all over the world; the magazines “Decision” and “Christianity Today” (1956–present) with a current circulation of 130,000; the website passageway.org created for youth, and more than 130 films produced by World Wide Pictures, the film production and distribution company founded by Graham in 1951.
The authority of Billy Graham was so great that he became the spiritual advisor for American presidents including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson as well as Richard Nixon. Billy Graham is the author of many books which became bestsellers. Among the most popular ones are “The Jesus Generation” (1971), “Angels: God’s Secret Agents” (1975, 1985), “How to Be Born Again” (1977), “Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham” (1997, 2007) and “The Reason for My Hope: Salvation” (2013).
As a very honourable person, Billy Graham is the recipient of various awards and honours, and it should be noted that he was annually listed and honoured in the Greatest Living American survey. Among the most important awards he has received are the American Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award (1965), Sylvanus Thayer Award from United States Military Academy Association of Graduates at West Point (1972), Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award (1983), Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honour Congress can bestow on a private citizen (1996), and Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE), for his international contribution to civic and religious life over 60 years (2001).
Last, but not the least, in the personal life of the pastor, Billy Graham married his high school sweetheart Ruth Bell in 1943, and they lived together for 64 years until her death in 2007; they had five children, among them Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Billy Graham was the grandfather of 19 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren.
Billy Graham died on 21 February 2018 in Montreat, North Carolina of natural causes, at the age of 99.
