Anne Graham Lotz–daughter of Billy Graham–lost her husband on Wednesday. Danny Lotz, who was 78, died two days after he was admitted to a Raleigh, North Carolina hospital.
The retired dentist was found facedown his family swimming pool on Monday. Anne Graham Lotz called 911.
“He’s in the water. He’s huge. I can’t get him out. I’m just trying to hold his head above water,” she said.
Praying for #AnneGrahamLotz and the extended family. Please join us in prayer. @AGLotz http://t.co/EB9A6Tkg6j pic.twitter.com/plfvVFh4y3
— CBN News (@CBNNews) August 19, 2015
Via her Facebook page, Anne Graham Lotz shared a statement that said Danny Lotz had long suffered from heart disease, and that throughout the years he underwent procedures that implanted five arterial stents.
Danny Lotz: God's GladiatorHonoring Danny Lotz March 30, 1937 – August 19, 2015http://www.annegrahamlotz.org/2015/08/19/danny-lotz-gods-gladiator/
Posted by Anne Graham Lotz on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Danny Lotz played on a men’s basketball team in North Carolina that was undefeated in 1957. The team won the NAACP Championship that year.
Danny Lotz, married to Anne Graham Lotz for 49 years, has died http://t.co/eQNXat75cs
— Christianity Today (@CTmagazine) August 19, 2015
Anne Graham Lotz and her husband were married for 49 years. On her website, she referred to Danny Lotz as “God’s Gladiator.”
“Danny and Anne were married for forty-nine years. At the age of fifty Danny developed a severe case of Adult 1 diabetes. For over ten years following his retirement from dentistry he fought the ravages of the disease, earning him the beloved nickname, God’s Gladiator. He lost the sight in one eye and the hearing in one ear. His heart disease required five stents in his arteries. His renal failure dictated three days of dialysis each week, five hours each time. And yet he never complained, never slowed down, never gave up, never stopped investing in the lives of others. 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 website reads.
“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.”
Anne Graham Lotz will no doubt rely on her strong Christian faith as she navigates her heartache. She will surely find peace in the prayers said by many in the coming days.
