Renowned American evangelist, Christian William Graham Jr, better known as Billy Graham is dead.

He died on Wednesday at his home. He was 99 years old.

His death was confirmed by Jeremy Blume, a spokesman for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The new york times reports.

Mr. Graham had dealt with a number of illnesses in his last years, including prostate cancer, hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain) and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

He was widely regarded as the most influential preacher of the 20th century.

He held large crusades and his sermons were broadcast on radio and television, some still being re-broadcast into the 21st century.

The 99- year -old was principally known for hosting the annual Billy Graham Crusades, which he began in 1947.

According to his autobiography, Graham was converted in 1934, at age 16 during a series of revival meetings in Charlotte.

According to Wikipedia, after the Prohibition in the United States ended, Graham’s father forced him and his sister, Katherine, to drink beer until they got sick. This created such an aversion that both avoided alcohol and drugs for the rest of their lives.

Graham was married to his classmate Ruth Bell Graham. She died on June 14, 2007, at the age of 87. The Grahams were married for almost 64 years.

The late Graham and his wife had five children, 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.