Posted: 04/17/2013 at 3:24pm | IP Logged

Graham Crusade's George Beverly Shea Dead at 104

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CBN News

George Beverly Shea, the baritone voice that preceded thousands of evangelistic messages by the Rev. Billy Braham, has passed away.

Shea sang for more than 200 million people in his 60 years performing at Billy Graham Crusades.

He said he often sang a peaceful hymn before Graham preached because the evangelist "loves the quiet before he speaks."

Shea met Graham in Chicago in the 1940s. In 1947, they teamed up and together they preached the Gospel across the nation and the world.

Graham said Shea was, "One of the most humble, gracious men I have ever known and one of my closest friends. I loved him as a brother."

Shea recorded dozens of sacred music albums and won a Grammy Award in 1965. He was nominated 10 times.

George Beverly Shea was 104 years old.