The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
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Posted: Thursday, February 22, 2018 03:04 PM
Local, National, State and World Leaders Express Their Admiration For The Late Dr. Billy Graham
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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
