Thousands say last goodbyes to Billy Graham

Thousands of people flocked to Charlotte, N.C., Monday to pay their final respects to evangelist Billy Graham, who died last week at age 99. The mourners included former President George W. Bush and his wife. “Laura and I are honored to be able to come and pay our respects to the Graham family and, more importantly, to be able to say goodbye to a person who was influential in our lives and influential in the lives of millions,” Bush told reporters after spending about 30 minutes alone with the Graham family. He also conveyed condolences from his father, former President George H.W. Bush, who Bush said wanted to come but isn’t “moving around much these days.” Graham was known as the pastor to the presidents because he cultivated relationships with every Oval Office occupant since Harry Truman. Former President Bill Clinton plans to visit with the Graham family Tuesday. Graham’s body will travel to Washington on Wednesday to lie in the Capitol Rotunda, a rare honor for someone not directly tied to politics. He will return to Charlotte for a private funeral Friday, and President Donald Trump is expected to attend.