CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Funeral and interment arrangements have been announced for Reverend Billy Graham. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) held a media briefing at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte on Wednesday evening.
Rev. Graham's body will be moved from Morris Funeral Home in Asheville on Thursday, February 22 at 3:00 p.m. His remains will arrive at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in Asheville at 3:30 p.m. This will be a private event.
On Saturday, February 24, there will be a private family prayer service at 10:45 a.m. at the training center in Asheville. A ceremonial departure will begin at 11:00 a.m. attended by family, friends, staff and community leaders.
The motorcade will leave the training center in Asheville at 11:25 a.m. Saturday and arrive at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte at 3:00 p.m. This event is not open to the public. More details about the route will be released at 1:00 p.m. Thursday.
The body of Rev. Graham will lie in repose in a closed casket at the Billy Graham Library on Monday, February 26 and Tuesday, February 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Public parking will not be available on site. Shuttles will operate from the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center on Forest Point Blvd. as well as 5613 Wilkinson Blvd.
A private funeral will be held Friday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. under a tent outside the Billy Graham Library. This is an invitation-only event. Official expect 2,300 people. The service will be held regardless of weather conditions and should last about ninety minutes. The reverend's son, Franklin Graham, will give the message. His siblings will also speak.
Rev. Graham's interment will also be private. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Ruth, in the prayer garden at the northeast side of the library. Speakers will include Dr. Donald Wilton of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg and Dr. David Bruce, executive assistant to Rev. Graham.
On Monday, March 5, the library will return to normal operation hours.
BGEA officials said Rev. Graham passed away in his sleep with only a nurse in his Montreat, N.C. home. Franklin Graham was in Dallas, Texas when he got the call.
President Trump and all of the former living presidents have been invited to attend Rev. Graham's funeral. As of 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, there was no word if any of them have accepted.
The public can visit Rev. Graham's website for more information in the coming days or call 877-247-2426. Stay with wcnc.com for continuing coverage as well.