Oral Roberts, the Pentecostal evangelist who rose from tent revivals to found a multimillion-dollar organization and Oral Roberts University, died Tuesday.

Roberts, a PK (preachers kid), initially rejected his father’s beliefs, but embraced Christ at the age of 17 after a miraculous recovery from Tuberculosis. He preached is first sermon when he turned 18.

In 1963 he founded ORU in Tulsa, Okla. A very powerful preacher, Roberts was noted for pioneering televised services which exploded when he started calling prayer lines for ill worshipers were he would pray for their healing and see them recover.

Although controversy never stopped surrounding him for his methods, famous and influential people sought his counsel and prayer, including Presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon and Jimmy Carter. Pictured Below, Pastor Roberts with Elvis Presley.

As strong as he was in his career he proved even stronger in his personal life. Two of his four children died before him. His wife of 66 years, Evelyn, died in 2005. He retired two years later.

In 2009, Pastor Roberts addressed the Oklahoma State Senate, which had passed a resolution honoring him for his life’s work. As he addressed the Senate he said this:

“I’m 91 years of age, and I’ll soon be going home to my heavenly father,”

“I look forward to that with great peace and joy, leaving behind my legacy to bless the people.”

(Other television evangelists laid their hands on Mr. Roberts, center, at the university in 2003.)

It was reported that the noted preacher broke some bones after a fall in his California home but according to the announcement at www.cbn.com Roberts passed away on December 15 due to complications from Pneumonia.