I’ve shared how August 16th, 1977, devastated me. Well, the 18th was equally as bad for me.
During the 17 years I spent with Elvis, I could never put the words Elvis and death together. To be honest, I always thought Elvis would out live me. I couldn’t imagine a world without him, not even in my wildest dreams.
The 16th and the days that followed were a living nightmare. I was begging God to please wake me up, this couldn’t be happening. The day of the funeral, the 18th I found myself in a crowd of people at Graceland. I didn’t look around to see who was there, I was focused on Elvis.
I sat there completely numb. I heard weeping, I heard music, and I heard the pastors as they spoke. But I couldn’t understand any of it. All I could think of was Elvis and the times we spent together. Every now and then, I say softly to myself. God, I hope he didn’t suffer when he died, please God, no pain for my brother.
When it was our turn to walk to the casket, me, Rick and David stood there and looked down at Elvis. That was the hardest thing I had even done, at that time. All I could say was, I love you, Elvis. I started to break up. David saw me, then he took my hand and placed it on Elvis’ hand. I looked at David, he said. He’s no longer in pain Billy, he’s with God now. I looked back at Elvis and said, I hope I never caused you any pain. I only wanted to make you happy and proud of me, Elvis. We walked back to our seats.
When the service came to an end, they took the casket to the Hearse, as they were putting the casket in the car, a big tree limb broke from the tree and hit the ground with a loud thud. My mind immediately went to what Elvis once told me. He said, if I die, I will send a sign that there is life after death. I managed a small smile, then walked to the car.
As we were driving to the cemetery, I looked at the people that lined the street. I could feel their love for Elvis as we passed. That touched my heart, and I began to cry. When we were about halfway to the cemetery a thought came to me. This is my last ride with Elvis. No more flying down a highway, or just a casual ride around town. This was it.
At the cemetery I followed the casket into the mausoleum. More words were said, but I didn’t hear them. My mind was still on Elvis and all the great times we had. I stood there with my head bowed down, I prayed. I asked, God is this really happening? Please make this day go away, God. When the service was over, I walked outside and went to the car. All I wanted to do was go home and think about what had happened.
This was how my day went on August 18th, 1977.
