Billy Graham's Son-in-Law Danny Lotz, Husband To Anne Graham Lotz, Died at 78: 'He Was God's Man Who Triumphantly Finished His Race'

Danny Lotz
A tribute posted on annegrahamlotz.org refers to Danny Lotz as "a chief among The King's ... mighty warriors. He gave His Kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land. 1 Chronicles 11:10" annegrahamlotz.org

Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of prominent evangelical preacher Billy Graham, has revealed that her husband, Danny Lotz, "moved to our Father's House" Wednesday afternoon after being found unresponsive in the family's swimming pool on Monday.

At the time of his death, the 78-year-old former UNC basketball player was being treated at Rex Hospital, associated with the University of North Carolina, Raleigh. In a statement, the hospital said that Lotz's heart stopped while he was swimming in the family pool. On arrival, emergency medical personnel restarted his heart and he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

"Since then, a team of compassionate medical professionals at Rex's ICU has worked tirelessly to restore Dr. Lotz's body. Every possible attempt was made, but his doctors determined this morning nothing more could be done and it was time to cease life-supportive measures," the hospital said in a statement released on Thursday.

According to a tribute to Lotz posted on www.annegrahamlotz.org Wednesday evening, Lotz developed a severe case of Adult 1 diabetes at the age of 50. Over the last decade, he bravely "fought the ravages of the disease," including losing sight in one eye and hearing in one ear, earning him the nickname "God's Gladiator".

"[H]e never complained, never slowed down, never gave up, never stopped investing in the lives of others," the tribute reads. "As a New Yorker he was plain spoken. As a German he was stubborn. As a Christian he was a compassionate servant leader. He was more than a man's man. He was God's man who triumphantly finished his race having fought the good fight, and having kept his faith firmly focused on the kingdom of God first."

The tribute concludes, "He moved to our Father's House on August 19, 2015 and received the accolade of his Savior, Lord, and King who presented him with the Crown of Righteousness. We salute you, Danny Lotz. And we will never forget you."

Danny and Anne Lotz were married for forty-nine years and have three adult children together.

Lotz worked as a dentist in North Carolina and reportedly led a Bible study every Friday which was attended by 80-100 men in Raleigh.

He is also considered a "living legend" in North Carolina, as he played on the famed 1957 UNC basketball team that won a national championship. In February, he was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by the North Carolina governor, a prestigious award granted to citizens for extraordinary service to the state and local community.

On Thursday, Regional director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Johnny Evans remembered Danny Lotz as a close friend and role model. He credited Billy Graham's son-in-law for bringing the Christian organization for young athletes to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

"[He was] a leader of the leaders. He had an uncanny relational ability to make whoever was in front of him feel like they were the most important person in the world," said Evans.

Executive director for the Raleigh Baptist Association, Dr. Roger Nix knew Danny Lotz for more than 30 years and pastored the church where Danny Lotz led countless Bible studies.

"Though he is very physically imposing, being the basketball player he was and having all that heritage at Carolina, he never sought that kind of limelight," said Nix, WRAL reports. "He was truly as the scripture says, he was a humble servant."

He continued, "There's probably not a laymen in the city of Raleigh, or Triangle area, that had a deeper passion for discipling men and probably literally thousands of men over the years."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.