After the Friday procession, a memorial service open to everyone will be held: the list of eulogists was not complete, but will include former President Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal, who famously has done a masterful impression of Ali, and sports television host Bryant Gumbel.
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Gunnell said California imam and scholar Zaid Shakir will preside over the service at the KFC Yum!
“Everything we’re doing here was blessed by Muhammad Ali and was requested”, Gunnell said.
“He wanted the memorial service to reflect his life, and how he lived”.
The following day, 15,500 people will attend a public inter-faith service at a basketball arena, which will be watched by millions around the world.
Ali died Friday night near Phoenix, officially from septic shock due to unspecified natural causes.
Muhammad Ali was arguably the most famous athlete on planet earth, and his boxing career, which spanned several decades, was nothing short of exciting, colorful and charismatic, as the champ was also a confident man who was not short of lyrical expressions, which emanated from his enormous self-confidence. The officer told him he’d have to learn how to box first.
“I’m obviously really sad”.
Jones, the police major, also snapped a photo of his daughter on Ali’s lap after they played pat-a-cake in the airport. Photo courtesy of Pinterest.
Rabbi Michael Lerner was in his office at his home in Berkeley, California, on Sunday morning when, out of the blue, Ronald DiNicola, president of Muhammad Ali Enterprises, called and invited the rabbi to speak at the funeral. “So many people coming together”, said Betty Wright. You changed my Life.
“From that moment on, I realized what an important part of history he played”, Burghy said of her grandfather.
“I’ve always told her, ‘Do not ever lose that picture, ‘” he said. He finished his career with 37 wins by knockout.
Ali – born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr on January 17, 1942 – dazzled fans with slick moves in the ring and his wit and engaging persona outside it.
“His famous saying “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” resonates with me as my name in boxing is busy bee … for Manyuchi when translated into English”, said Manyuchi.
World Boxing Council’s silver belt holder, Charles Manyuchi, says he has great respect for the late Muhammad Ali.
After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Ali was still inspiring the boxers at the 5th Street Gym, even if it has been six years since he stepped foot in there. Said Dorothy Poynter, who grew up with Ali in the neighborhood, “We were all so proud of him”.
The city-sponsored festival Wednesday will “celebrate Ali’s life journey and fierce determination”, according to the city of Louisville.
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The funeral will be livestreamed on the internet and he will be buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville.
