February 21, 2018 9:19 AM EST
T he Rev. Billy Graham, a magnetic preacher and counselor to Presidents who brought America’s brand of evangelism to audiences around the world, is dead at 99 . Graham reached more than 200 million people through his appearances.
In TIME’s obituary , David Van Biema writes:
Over six decades he preached in 185 countries and territories and as late as 2005 was attracting crowds of 242,000. With the possible exception of Pope John Paul II, Graham can be said to have touched more lives for Jesus than anyone else in the modern era and to have extolled him directly to a greater swath of humanity than anyone else in history.
Later in life, Van Biema writes, Graham was modest about his achievements. “I don’t know why God has allowed me to have [all] this,” he told TIME in 1993. “I’ll have to ask him when I get to heaven.”
Read TIME’s full Billy Graham obituary here.
Preacher Man
In his lifetime, Billy Graham has preached the Gospel in person to audiences that total 215 million people.Diana Walker for TIME Student
Graham (center) at the Florida Bible Institute in 1940. He eventually graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois in 1943.© BGEA Missionary
In 1949, Graham brought his intense and dramatic style to Los Angeles. Originally scheduled for only three weeks, the missions went on for eight.The Billy Graham Center Foray into Washington
Graham, behind hat, kneels in prayer with fellow evangelists, from left to right, Jerry Beavan, Cliff Barrows and Grady Wilson after meeting with President Harry Truman to discuss the Korean War, July 14, 1950.Bettmann/Corbis Ike
Graham speaks with President Dwight Eisenhower at the White House, May 11, 1957.Paul Schutzer—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Family Values
After returning from his 'Crusade for Christ' tour, Graham embraces his wife, Ruth, and his children in New York.Hulton Archive/Getty Images The Lord's Striker
On a trip to the United Kingdom, Graham addresses a crowd of football supporters at Stamford Bridge, London, during half-time at a match between Chelsea and Newcastle United.Edward Miller—Getty Images Bible in Hand
Preaching in North Carolina, 1962.Globe Photos Two by Two
Watching a pair of giraffes cross the road while on a missionary trip in Kenya.James Burke—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Color Blind
Graham addresses African religious leaders and Salvation Army members in Zimbabwe. He consistently refused to visit South Africa under Apartheid until its government finally allowed desegregated audiences.James Burke—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Clash of Cultures
Graham speaks with tribal doctors during an African mission.James Burke—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Sermon
Graham was a prolific author. He wrote 30 books, including his memoirs Just As I Am.Don Phelan—Bettmann/Corbis Meet the Press
After his arrival in Southampton, England on another global set of Crusades, Graham speaks to reporters, May 24, 1966.Wood/Hulton Archive/Getty Images The Word
Graham waves a handkerchief while standing at a podium during a service in front of a crowd at Wembley Stadium.Brian Seed—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images Long-Term Relationship
Husband and wife actors Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis mug with Graham at a movie exhibitors' meeting in Dallas, 1952. The friendship between Graham and Reagan lasted through his presidency.Squire Haskins/Special Collections, University of Texas, Arlington Touched
Graham prays during a crusade in Charlotte, 1972.Russ Busby Lighter Side
Graham Vice-President George Bush talks with Graham on the speakers' platform before addressing the Southern Baptists Convention in the Superdome in New Orleans.Bettmann/Corbis Eloquence
Graham preaches to a crowd of 21,000 in St. Paul, Minnesota, about Judgment Day.Bettmann/Corbis The Lion in Winter
Graham at home in North Carolina, 1981.Estate of Stanley Tretick More Must-Reads from TIME 
