Reverend Billy Graham and Dr. Don Wilton have been planning Graham’s funeral for the last decade.
Saturday’s procession to Charlotte marks the beginning of a journey that will take Graham’s body to our nation’s capitol and then back to Charlotte but for now, local law enforcement is prepared for an event that will bring thousands to Western North Carolina.
“We’ve had an action plan in place for months,” said Black Mountain Police Chief, Shawn Freeman. “Get here early so you can get a good parking spot. You’ll definitely have to walk up to the main road for the viewing area.”
Freeman is expecting thousands to show up.
Several memorial events are planned throughout the week to celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Billy Graham.
Saturday morning begins with a private family prayer service at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville. A motorcade will then leave the Billy Graham Training Center for Charlotte at 11:00 a.m.
Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura will come to Charlotte Monday to pay their respects to Rev. Billy Graham.
Bush has publicly credited the evangelist with helping him turn his life around when he was younger.
Graham's nephew, Mel Graham said his uncle had been friends with 13 Presidents beginning with Harry Truman.
"They all leaned on my uncle for advice because, number one, they trusted him, they put their confidence in him and they knew he had no political agenda and no political spin," said Mel Graham.
Monday is the first day the public will be able to come to the Billy Graham Library where the casket will lie in repose.
Dozens came out to Romare Bearden Park in uptown Charlotte Friday to sign a condolence card in honor of Reverend Billy Graham.
Jennifer Tisdale shared her thoughts of America’s pastor.
"Rev. Graham instilled so much hope and so much inspiration for all. To me, he was a pure servant of God. I mean, I just can't get over the fact that God sent this person to change so many lives," said Tisdale.
Stories like Tisdale's were expressed over and over again.
"Billy Graham was one of the pastors who really touched my heart and brought me to the Lord, but on top of that, he crossed the cultural barrier. It didn't matter what your race was: black, white, Puerto Rican, Asian -- people came because he spoke truth," Chris Hilton said.
Part of Billy Graham Parkway will be closed Friday, March 2, for the funeral of Reverend Billy Graham.
Officials with the North Carolina Department of Transportation will shut down the road in both directions from South Tryon Street to Tyvola Road just after midnight Friday, March 2. The parkway will remain closed until after the funeral ends Friday afternoon.
