George Beverly Shea, the beloved soloist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for nearly 60 years, was once asked about his legacy.
Shea replied he hoped he would be remembered as always being on key.
The quip encapsulates Shea’s signature mix of humor and humility celebrated Sunday during the gospel singer’s funeral in Montreat, N.C. — a lively service punctuated more by laughter than tears.
The Rev. Billy Graham was one of nearly 1,000 attendees at the Anderson Auditorium. He was escorted by son, Rev. Franklin Graham. His grandson, Rev. William Franklin F. Graham IV, vice president and executive director of Billy Graham Training Center, gave the benediction.
Shea, a key part of the Graham ministry since the mid-1940s, died Tuesday night at Asheville’s Mission Hospital after suffering a stroke. He was 104. A private interment service is set for Monday at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.
Billy Graham did not speak during the service but talked about Shea, known for his rich, uplifting voice, in a written statement. Graham said he has listened to Shea sing for more than 70 years and would still rather hear him sing than anyone else.
The evangelist praised Shea’s faith and his contribution to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
“I have lost one of the best friends I have ever had, but he and I look forward to seeing each other in heaven relatively soon,” Graham said.
Shea preformed gospel classics — as well as his original work like “The Wonder of It All” — before Graham took the stage to minister.
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article courtesy of BCNN1.com
Billy Graham And Family And Friends Gather To Remember The Life Of George Beverly Shea was originally published on praisecleveland.com
