‘North Carolina's favorite son' Rev. Billy Graham turns 98 Monday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Rev. Billy Graham, one of Charlotte’s most prominent religious figures, turned 98 years old on Monday.

The Billy Graham Library in west Charlotte held a celebration in his honor. The library offered birthday cake to guests at the event, which was free and open to the public.

“It’s a wonderful testament to Mr. Graham, and it’s lovely to be able to offer this to guests,” said Sonya Johnson, promotions manager at the Billy Graham Library.

A birthday banner was been posted at the library so guests could sign it and wish Graham a happy birthday.

The library executive director said the retired evangelist is in good spirits, according to his son, the Rev. Franklin Graham.

"Franklin let us know yesterday that he's doing great," Tom Phillips said. "His vital signs are wonderful.
His mind is very sharp. His body is 98."

Ken Garfield, who reported on Billy Graham as the religion reporter for the Charlotte Observer for 12 years, said his message of hope still resonates with millions of followers, even though Graham's health forced him away from his ministry, which included crusades, radio, television events and books.

“No matter what you've been in life, where you've been, what road you've been down, there's always the chance for hope and salvation,” Garfield said.

Vijay Meesala lives an hour away from a village in India that Graham helped reconstruct in the 1970s after floods destroyed it.

“It's very simple, yet very powerful in the way,” Meesala said. “(He) helped me to grow in my walk with the Lord.”

The village was named after Graham.

"The incredible humility, love and integrity, character and faithfulness of Billy Graham is still in the hearts of so many people,” Phillips said.

Cox Media Group