The Rev. Billy Graham, one of the most influential religious figures in U.S. history and a trusted adviser to decades of U.S. presidents, has died. He was 99.  For decades starting with Harry Truman, Graham would be seen at the side of U.S. presidents as he served as a valued counselor, during both their brightest days and their sleepless nights. “People in power have spiritual and personal needs like everyone else, and often they have no one to talk to,” the evangelist said in 2011. As a religious figure, Graham extended his influence beyond the Southern Baptist community to become a respected figure around the world.

For Graham, the Bible was universal truth, and Christ represented the path to salvation. “Choose this day the road to travel into eternity,” he preached. “Don’t think there are three choices — yes, no and wait — for you may never have another opportunity.” (Read more from Politico )

Notable quotes on Billy Graham and his legacy –

“The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.” – President Donald Trump 

“Billy and Ruth Graham have practiced the ministry of … being friends with Presidents of both parties … always completely private, always completely genuine.”  – President Bill Clinton 

“Billy Graham touched the hearts of not only Christians, but people of all faiths, because he was such a good man.” – President George H.W. Bush 

“Had it not been for the ministry of my good friend Dr. Billy Graham, my work in the Civil Rights Movement would not have been as successful as it has been.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

 “His authenticity and sincerity shines through. People realize it instinctively. That distinguished him from any preacher I know of in that generation who was in the public limelight.”- Former Senator Sam Nunn (D-Georgia)