Pat Robertson turned a tiny Virginia station into the global Christian Broadcasting Network. He also ran for president and founded the Christian Coalition.
Robertson’s enterprises also included Regent University, an evangelical Christian school in Virginia Beach; the American Center for Law and Justice, which defends the First Amendment rights; and Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian organization.
For more than a half-century, Robertson was a familiar presence in American living rooms, known for his “700 Club” television show.
Marion Gordon “Pat” Robertson was born March 22, 1930, in Lexington, Virginia. His father served for 36 years as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from Virginia.
After graduating from Washington and Lee University, he served as assistant adjutant of the 1st Marine Division in Korea.
He received a law degree from Yale University Law School, but chose not to pursue a law career.
Robertson dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, helping those in need, and educating the next generation.
The CBN website says Robertson had a hunger for knowledge of the Lord, and he wanted to share the love and faithfulness of Jesus with the world. His heart’s desire was that all people come to know Jesus.
His wife Dede, who was a founding board member of CBN, died last year at the age of 94. The couple had four children, 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.