“You and Ruth must be here for our library dedication May 22.”
The note came from the desk of former President Lyndon Johnson to Rev. and Mrs. Graham in 1971.
Nearly four decades later, Billy Graham himself would be joined by Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton at the opening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.
Over the years Billy Graham gave spiritual counsel to leaders around the world, including every sitting U.S. President since Harry Truman. In addition to spiritual guidance, he also developed personal relationships with many of the presidents. Below are some of the more casual moments he shared with Commander in Chiefs over the years.
Billy Graham with President John F. Kennedy, Palm Beach, Fla.Billy Graham with President Lyndon JohnsonBilly and Ruth Graham with President Richard Nixon at their home in Montreat, N.C.Billy Graham with President Gerald Ford at the 1974 Pro-am in Charlotte, N.C.Billy and Ruth Graham with President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, 1979Billy and Ruth Graham with President and Mrs. Ronald ReaganBilly and Ruth Graham with President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush and the President’s mother, Dorothy; Kennebunkport, MaineBilly Graham with President George W. Bush, fishing off the coast Maine