CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Thousands of people traveled through Charlotte Monday to pay their final respects to Rev. Billy Graham and even more are expected on Tuesday, the final day the public can say goodbye in Charlotte before the casket is moved to the nation's capital.
Rev. Graham died Wednesday morning at his home in Montreat at the age of 99. His casket was escorted from Montreat to the Billy Graham Library on Saturday. His casket sits inside his childhood home at the Billy Graham Library in southwest Charlotte.
The staff of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was able to pay their final respects to the Reverend shortly before 6:30 a.m. Monday prior to the public getting the opportunity.
The public is invited to the Billy Graham Library Monday and Tuesday. No parking is allowed at the Billy Graham Library. Uber and Lyft drop offs are also not allowed at the library. All visitors must take a complimentary shuttle to be taken into the Billy Graham Library from one of two locations:
- Charlotte Business Valet Lot 2, 5613 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
- Operation Christmas Child, 7100 Forest Point Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217
A long line formed at the shuttle stop before 8 a.m.
The official public viewing began at 8 a.m. Shuttles run from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday. One shuttle will travel from the Operation Christmas Child Regional Officer on Forest Point Blvd. and the other from the Charlotte airport business valet lot. Visitors can park in both locations for free and ride the shuttle free of charge. The return shuttle will run until after the visitation closes each day, so return passengers will be able to get back to the parking lots.
Cameras, video recorders, backpacks, purses, pets, signs, banners, coolers, food, drinks and weapons are all prohibited. Cell phones are permitted but must be silenced at the viewing area.
Rev. Billy Graham's body will lie in repose in the library through Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, he will be taken to the U.S. Capitol where he will lie in honor in the Rotunda until Thursday. For the full timeline, click here.