LITTLE ROCK – In response to news of the death of Billy Graham, Gov. Asa Hutchinson offered these thoughts:
“It is not an exaggeration to say that Billy Graham was a giant among leaders. But even as Dr. Graham counseled presidents and prime ministers, he resisted the overtures to engage in politics. Dr. Graham’s devotion was to the Gospel, and his ministry to people regardless of their station in life.
“I remember as a young boy, my entire family watching the Billy Graham televised crusades. They impacted me as a child, and as an adult, it was an honor to participate in his crusade in Little Rock in 1989. Dr. Graham modeled integrity. His ministry was without moral taint. The United States is richer for his ministry. Even as I am saddened at his passing, I am grateful for his energy and passion for the Gospel.”
Graham died on Feb. 21 at his home at Montreat, N.C. He was 99.
“Evangelist Billy Graham, who died Wednesday, will lie in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from Wednesday, Feb. 28, to Thursday, March 1, according to an announcement from House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky). Members of the public are invited to pay their respects. Ryan and McConnell will take part in a service upon the arrival of Graham’s casket,” according to The Washington Post.
“A private funeral for Graham will be held Friday, March 2, at noon under a tent at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte,” the article said.