ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- The body of Reverend Billy Graham arrived at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in Asheville on Thursday afternoon. The move marked the beginning of a week long celebration of life for the esteemed pastor.
Rev. Graham’s body will be escorted to Charlotte on Saturday where he will lie in repose on Monday and Tuesday before heading to Washington D.C. on Wednesday. Rev. Graham will become just the 4th private citizen in U.S. history to lie in the United States Capitol rotunda.
On Thursday, March 1, Graham’s body will return to Charlotte for a private funeral at the Billy Graham library where he will be laid to rest.
“It’s a celebration,” exclaimed Gigi Graham, the reverend’s oldest daughter. “It’ll be several days of celebration.”
On Thursday, Gigi greeted people who gathered at the Cove to remember her father.
“I wanted to be here to honor the people that come to honor him,” she said.
Gigi is keeping her father’s death in perspective.
“Obviously we’re sad but we’re doing good,“ she said.
Bus load after busload brought visitors from all over to the Cove.
“He was the real deal,” said one woman.
A makeshift memorial was built inside the chapel, featuring bible verses, pictures, and witty quotes from America’s pastor. It was enough to evoke emotion and bring men and women to tears.
“He touched our lives,” one woman said.
“I hope one day I would do the same thing he did, follow Christ and walk with Christ because that’s a good life,” said Paul Mack, an Asheville native.
Graham’s body will remain at the Cove until Saturday at 11:25 am when he will be transported to Charlotte.