Former President Bill Clinton paid his respects Tuesday to Rev. Billy Graham and spoke fondly about seeing the famed preacher in person.
Clinton was just 11-years-old when he saw Graham, who was known as “America’s Pastor,” speak in Little Rock, Arkansas.
“Every time I think about him, I’m 11 again, having no idea how my life would turn out,” said Clinton during his visit to Graham’s childhood home in Charlotte, N.C.
The evangelist preacher, who died last week at the age of 99, preached to millions around the world, and acted as a counselor and minister to a dozen presidents.
Photos : Mourners bid farewell to Billy Graham
Clinton, who spoke with Graham’s son Franklin prior to visiting the casket, was one of the thousands to proceed through the halls of the Billy Graham Library.
More than 6,000 mourners, inspired by his crusades, have come from across the country and around the globe to pay respects during the public viewing of his casket in the Billy Graham Library.
Graham’s funeral will be held Friday in Charlotte, but his body will lie in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Wednesday and Thursday.
Graham was a presence around Clinton during his time as a governor in Arkansas and a common visitor in Clinton’s White House. Former President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush visited Monday to pay their respects.
“He was profoundly good man who conveyed his central beliefs,” said Clinton.