MEMPHIS, Tenn. — People came from around the world attended the homegoing service for Civil Rights icon Rev. Samuel Billy Kyles at Monumental Baptist Church.
There were smiles and laughs when friends and family shared powerful stories about the civil rights icon.
“Billy Kyles only had one lung but Lord look what he did with it, it ought to move us to ask what is our excuse, said former Memphis Mayor AC Wharton.
“He listened to people and he heard the things you were saying but he also heard the things you weren’t saying and he knew how to get in there and give you advice,” said Dwain J. Kyles, the son of Billy Kyles.
The world remembers Kyles as “the witness” who was at the Lorraine Motel when Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated, but those who knew him personally remember him as their pastor.
He pastored Monumental Baptist for 55 years.
“Billy Kyles loved him some Monumental, he really did and growing up in his house, if you didn’t love Monumental, you better find some other place to live,” said Dwain Kyles.
Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson’s daughter also shared words and a musical selection.
During the eulogy, Rev. James Netters from Mt. Vernon reminded the audience how Kyles helped get buses integrated.
“We got organized and downtown heard that we were ready to come back again and ride every bus in town and they sent for us to come in and talk and said if you’ll hold up for a minute we will be able to do something about your plea and your cause and in 14 days, buses in Memphis were integrated,” said Netters.
Rev. Jesse Jackson was supposed to give the eulogy but could not make it because his flight was delayed in Africa.
During letters of acknowledgement, there was a letter from the Obama’s and the Clinton’s.