(AP/WVLT) -- Leaders expressed admiration
and respect for evangelist Billy Graham, who died at his North Carolina
home Wednesday morning.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
In a tweet, President Donald Trump said: "The GREAT Billy Graham is
dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all
religions. A very special man."
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VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE
"Billy Graham's ministry for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his
matchless voice changed the lives of millions," Pence tweeted. "We mourn
his passing but I know with absolute certainty that today he heard those
words, 'well done good and faithful servant.'"
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FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
"Billy Graham was a humble servant who prayed for so many - and who,
with wisdom and grace, gave hope and guidance to generations of
Americans."
___
FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
"Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of The
Reverend Billy Graham," Carter said in a statement. "Tirelessly
spreading a message of fellowship and hope, he shaped the spiritual
lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. Broad-minded, forgiving,
and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus
Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve."
___
FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH
"Billy Graham was America's pastor. His faith in Christ and his totally
honest evangelical spirit inspired people across the country and around
the world. I think Billy touched the hearts of not only Christians, but
people of all faiths, because he was such a good man. I was privileged
to have him as a personal friend. ... He was a mentor to several of my
children, including the former president of the United States. We will
miss our good friend forever.
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HOUSE SPEAKER PAUL RYAN
Ryan issued a statement that said, in part, "As soaring a figure as he
was, Rev. Graham connected with people on an elemental level. His reach
was rooted in decency, humility, and love. He set a tone of ecumenical
inclusion, advocated civil rights, and refused to accept the segregation
of those attending his crusades. Rev. Graham's service is a testament
that, with faith in God, one person can do so much good for the world."
___
NORTH CAROLINA GOV. ROY COOPER
"Billy Graham was a strong, humble, positive and passionate North
Carolina man of faith who made a difference in the lives of so many.
Rest with God, Reverend Graham."
___
SENATOR LAMAR ALEXANDER
"Billy Graham was one of the kindest and most authentic men I ever met.
His example was as inspiring as his preaching. In 1979, my firest year
as governor, he invited me to play piano at the Billy Graham Crusade in
Nashville. He took a considerable risk in doing that, but it is an
experience I will always remember."
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SENATOR BOB CORKER
"Rev. Billy Graham was an American icon who lived a remarkable life and
whose ministry helped change the lives of and give hope to millions of
people in our country and around the world. I know Tennesseans join me
today in celebrating his extraordinary life."
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KNOX COUNTY MAYOR TIM BURCHETT
"I saw Billy Graham in 1970 at Neyland Stadium with President Nixon.
It's a great memory. His passing is our loss, but it's hard to be sad
when I know he's in heaven with Jesus."
___
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM
"One of the greatest messengers of Christ has gone to his heavenly
reward," Sen. Graham wrote in a tweet. "Dr. Graham spread the good news
to millions across the world and led a life beyond reproach." |
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