Reverend Billy Graham, known across the world for his evangelical crusades, died Wednesday at age 99. Lubbock community members who attended his 1975 crusade at Jones Stadium reflect on the impact of that day.
“It has a very rich memory, fond memory, to me for two reasons: first date with the woman of my life and also grew up hearing about Billy Graham crusades, seeing them on TV. He was in Lubbock, Texas, and I could be there and hear him in person,” said Jerry Joplin, director of the Lubbock Area Baptist Association.
The crusade profoundly impacted him in his 30 years of preaching, he said.
Meanwhile, his wife, Karla Joplin, recalls the music as her most significant memory of the event, aside from the event being her first date with her now-husband.
“I have always been affected by music and so I think the music portion of it with the big choir and the hymns was very impactful. To hear that many people singing all together for God’s glory was amazing,” she said.
They described Graham as devoted, faithful, resilient and strong, among other attributes.
Jim Stewart, former Lubbock police officer and current radio host of KRFE, also reflected back on this day from a different viewpoint. He was Graham’s security detail of the night, saying his interaction was unforgettable.
“He was very down to earth, very nice going. He was one of those kinds of people when he talked, you listened,” he said. “He knew what he was saying and he meant what he said.”
Graham’s death was heartbreaking, Stewart said. The Joplin’s, on the other hand, described his loss slightly different.
“There is going to be a great celebration going on in heaven and just like, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ I know there’s a lot of good singing going on,” said Karla.
