George apparently touched many lives in his time. Fans drove for many hours, some all night, from all over the Midwest, just to be a part of the service. The room was full, and I guess many outside listening.
They all realized that his death signified the end of an era, country music and their friend was no more, George Jones is gone. No one will ever fill his shoes.
Being the funeral of country's most-respected singer, it was fitting that the service ended with a song – but not just any other one. Alan Jackson took to the stage with a somber performance of the song that defined Jones' career - "He Stopped Loving Her Today," ending the song by removing his hat in honor of his mentor. The entire room was standing during this song, I thought what a great tribute.
With that 'wreath upon his door' that the lyric of the song speaks of, Jones made his final exit from the Opry House to the strains of his recording of "When The Last Curtain Falls." A procession would escort his casket to his burial place at Woodlawn Memorial Park, with his band serving as pallbearers. The funeral lasted for over two and a half hours – a fitting send off to one of music's most legendary figures.
Few people will have such a service when they pass, it was really quite a tribute.
