How Old Is Billy Graham's Son

If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a headline about Billy Graham’s son and wondering, “Wait, isn’t that guy ancient by now?”—you’re not alone. It’s a fair question, given that the elder Graham passed away in 2018 at the ripe age of 99. But here’s the twist: his son isn’t exactly a spring chicken either, though he’s far from collecting Social Security with a walker.

I’m talking about Franklin Graham, the most famous of Billy’s five kids, and the man who took over the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. People often assume he’s been around since the dawn of televangelism, maybe even since Moses parted the Red Sea. But let’s get the numbers straight: Franklin Graham was born on July 14, 1952.

Do the math with me—it’s not rocket science. That makes him 72 years old as of 2024. Yes, seventy-two. He’s old enough to be a grandfather ten times over, but young enough that he probably still mows his own lawn (or at least yells at someone else to do it). Let’s put that in perspective: Billy Graham was 33 years old when Franklin was born—a stat that makes you realize Billy had Franklin in the Eisenhower era.

But Wait, There’s More: The “Other” Son

Here’s where it gets juicy. Billy Graham had three sons in total: Franklin, Nelson “Ned” Graham, and William Franklin Graham III (wait, that’s just Franklin again—naming is hard in this family). Actually, the lesser-known son is Ned Graham, born in 1958. That makes Ned a sprightly 66 years old—practically a teenager compared to Franklin.

Ned isn’t as famous because he spent most of his life in missionary work in Africa, avoiding the spotlight like a guy dodging a karaoke mic. But yes, he’s alive, kicking, and probably still out-fishing Franklin in a lake somewhere. Meanwhile, the daughters—Anne Graham Lotz, Ruth Graham, and Virginia Graham—are all ranging from 70 to their late 70s. The Graham family is basically a retirement community with really good PR.

Billy Graham Family Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

So, Why Does Franklin Look So… Old?

You’ve seen Franklin on TV, right? That mane of white hair, the stern eyebrows, the voice that sounds like it’s been marinated in gravel and scripture. He looks like he could be 82, easy. But that’s the magic of genetics and a life of public speaking—he’s been preaching since his 20s, so his face has been worn in like a favorite pair of jeans.

Fun fact: Franklin actually skipped college to tour with his dad’s crusades. He didn’t even get a degree until an honorary one in 2008. So while he looks like a distinguished professor, he’s more like a guy who learned on the job—a lifelong intern with a microphone. And at 72, he’s still going strong, despite having survived a bout with COVID-19 in 2020 and a hip replacement in 2023. That hip is younger than his political opinions.

The Rev. Billy Graham, right, and his son Franklin listen to a speaker

The Real Surprise: Billy Graham’s Grandson Is Even Older… Sort Of

Okay, get this: Franklin’s son, Will Graham, was born in 1975. That makes him 49—almost 50! This is a guy who preaches to stadiums and has his own white hair, despite being a Gen-Xer (or late Boomer). He looks so much like a younger Franklin that you half expect him to pull out a pocket watch and announce the End Times.

But here’s the true head-scratcher: Billy Graham’s other grandson, Jeremy Lotz (son of Anne), is also in his 40s. So the Graham family tree is a confusing tangle of men in suits who all seem to be exactly 70-going-on-90. It’s like they found the fountain of youth, but the fountain only dispenses gray hair and gravitas.

Bill Graham Family Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

What Does This Mean for You, the Couch-Dwelling Reader?

Not much, unless you’re planning to write a trivia question for a pub quiz. But it’s a fun reminder that age is just a number, especially when you’ve spent six decades telling people to repent. Franklin Graham has been a household name since the 1980s, yet he’s only a few years older than Harrison Ford—and Ford is still out there flying airplanes and punching bad guys. Franklin? He’s out there flying a private jet to preach at stadiums.

So next time you see Franklin Graham on the news, don’t think, “Wow, that guy is ancient.” Think, “Wow, that guy is 72, and I’m 32 and still can’t find my car keys.” He’s got 50 years on you in preaching experience, but he’s also just a guy who was born the same year Dwight D. Eisenhower was still President. That’s wild.

In conclusion: Billy Graham’s son is 72 years old. Franklin is older than your parents (probably), younger than your grandparents (maybe), and living proof that if you work for God, you can wear the same haircut for 40 years and nobody will bat an eye. And if you ever meet Ned Graham, just nod politely and say, “You’re the other one, right?” He’ll smile, because he’s used to it.