Thousands Pay Final Respects to Late Rev. Billy Graham

CHARLOTTE, NC – Thousands are paying their final respects to Rev. Billy Graham, including a former President.

“He welcomed all, he loved all,” says Southwest Charlotte resident Clara Hauser.

She is one of thousands who came to the Billy Graham Library late into the night Monday.

Graham’s body is lying in repose at the Graham Family Homeplace, inside the home he lived in as a teenager.

We talked with several people who say they grew up watching Billy Graham and that he helped them grow in their faith.

“He brought hope to the world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” says Wayne Brazzell.

Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura can’t make it to the funeral so they came to pay their respects Monday.

They spent about half an hour with Graham’s son Franklin and other family members.

“If there’s such a thing as a humble shepard of the Lord, Billy Graham is that person,” Bush said.

Franklin Graham also spoke saying, “Thank you for your kindness to my father, he would say this is too much about Billy Graham. He wouldn’t be happy,” Graham said.