MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Friends and family packed Mason Temple to remember the late Reverend Samuel “Billy” Kyles.
Even those who didn’t know Kyles personally told WREG he inspired them.
“It’s kind of tough, they say the older people that been around with the Civil Rights, who know if the others will carry on like he did,” said Sylvia Elliott.
The late Civil Rights leader was the pastor of Monumental Baptist Church for 55 years.
Many referred to him as “the witness” who was at the Lorraine Motel when Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968.
Those who knew Kyles personally said they want to focus on the life he lived.
“He’s been our friend, he’s been everything to us and we just used to having him around,” said Joyce Downey.
Downey said her pastor didn’t just impact Memphians; he impacted people around the world.
“He was a loving and kind person,” she said. “Giving to all people.”