One hundred years ago, the man who would become known as the “evangelist to the world” and “pastor to presidents” was born on a dairy farm in Charlotte, North Carolina. But in his hometown on Wednesday, Billy Graham was remembered by family members and ordinary people who loved him and his legacy of sharing the Gospel.
More than 800 people lined up outside the Billy Graham Library to meet his son, Franklin Graham; share a quick Billy Graham story; and get a copy of Through My Father’s Eyes autographed. Franklin visited with people and signed copies of the book he wrote to honor his father.
The younger Graham began working on the book after his mother, Ruth Bell Graham, passed away in 2007. He finished it shortly before his father went to heaven on February 21, 2018.
“These are lessons I’ve learned from my father but also my heavenly Father,” Franklin Graham told those gathered. “These are lessons on Scripture that apply to all of us.”
The tribute book, which was released in May, shares personal memories, anecdotes and powerful insights on the impact a godly father can have.
“I think I’ll miss my father all the days of my life,” Franklin Graham added. “There’s not a day that I don’t think about him at some point during that day.
“I ask myself, ‘What would my father say about this? What would my father think about this?’”
Franklin Graham continues his father’s ministry, serving as president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
