Friends, Family Remember Danny Lotz as 'God's Gladiator'
Danny Milton Lotz, the husband of Anne Graham Lotz, has passed away. He's being remembered by his wife as "God's Gladiator."
Danny is the son-in-law of evangelist Billy Graham.
He died Wednesday, after being found unresponsive in their home's swimming pool Monday afternoon.
WRAL.com reports that Rex Hospital says Danny's heart stopped while in the pool. Emergency responders did restart his heart, but he passed away two days later.
A family friend confirms he's been battling diabetic seizures for the past few years.
A statement on Anne's website says, "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."
The statement also describes his battle with diabetes saying, "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," his wife wrote in the statement on her website.
On the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website, an article says Danny Lotz spoke the following Scripture just three months ago, but his life reflected it "for many decades as he kept his faith through trials."
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." ( )
According to WRAL.com, Danny's close friends describe him as a man who "lived an exemplary life."
"(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 Johnny Evans, the regional director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Danny was a member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's undefeated 1957 basketball team, which won the NCAA National Basketball Championship.
A statement from the university said, "He was a true gentleman and beloved member of our Tar Heel family. His positive impact on people went far beyond basketball."
Anne's website goes on to say, "While active in his Bible studies, churches, and the Fellowship of Christian athletes, his Raleigh dental practice flourished for 40 years with thousands of patients who adored the 'gentle giant.' In recognition of the significant and extraordinary contribution he made to his adopted state, on January 28, 2015, he was presented with the most prestigious civilian award North Carolina offers, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine."
Danny and Anne were married for 49 years. They have three children and three grandchildren.
Danny Lotz was 78 years old.
A Scripture at the end of an article on Anne's website reads, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." ( )
Memorial contributions may be made to either Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) or AnGeL Ministries .
Use the comment section below to post your condolences and prayers for Anne Graham Lotz and her family.
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