ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Famous Christian evangelist, Billy Graham, is celebrating his 96th birthday Friday.
William "Billy" Graham, Jr. was born November 7, 1918.
Graham plans to celebrate his birthday with family and friends. Last year, 900 people attended a two-hour party for the North Carolina-born evangelist at an Asheville hotel.
His son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, said Wednesday that his father is in good spirits, he's eating well, and his mind is still sharp. Two weeks after last year's party, Graham was hospitalized for two days for observation and lung tests. Graham uses a wheelchair and has been hospitalized for several health-related issues over the past few years.
Franklin Graham commented on his father's birthday following a news conference announcing this his international charity, Samaritan's Purse, was sending 90 tons of supplies to battle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Graham rose to celebrity status in 1949 with sermons broadcast on radio and television. Several U.S. Presidents have sought out his counsel.
WSBTV
