Billy Graham's spiritual journey began and ended in North Carolina

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American evangelist Billy Graham addresses the congregation at the opening of the 32-day Greater London Crusade at the Earls Court Convention Centre, London, England, June 1, 1966. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

While the Rev. Billy Graham's travels took him as far away as the Soviet Union and China, he always came back to his native North Carolina, a place of refuge and spiritual refueling.

In the process, the most famous evangelist in American history became one of North Carolina's favorite sons.

GALLERY: Portraits of Billy Graham

The highway running past the world headquarters of his evangelical empire in Charlotte is called Billy Graham Parkway. The chapel in the mountain town of Montreat where he was married in 1943 is named in his honor. And a 2011 poll found him to be the most revered person in the state, beating out TV star Andy Griffith and basketball coach Dean Smith.

Billy Graham's body to make journey from mountains to Charlotte

Graham died Wednesday at age 99.

Franklin Graham says his father always thought of himself as simply a farm boy from North Carolina.

GALLERY: The Influence of Billy Graham

The following is a more detailed synopsis of important events surrounding Rev. Graham's death from the official website for media information for Billy Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
 
SAT, FEB. 24
11 a.m.—Ceremonial departure from Chatlos Chapel at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove (pool coverage), Asheville
11:25 a.m.—Departure time of motorcade leaving The Cove property, Asheville
3 p.m.—Arrival of Billy Graham's casket and motorcade, Charlotte
3 – 7 p.m.—Private family viewing, Charlotte
 
MON, FEB. 26
8 a.m.—Public lie in repose begins, Charlotte
10 p.m.—Public lie in repose closes, Charlotte

TUE, FEB. 27
8 a.m.—Public lie in repose begins, Charlotte
10 p.m.—Public lie in repose closes, Charlotte
 
FRI, MARCH 2
12 p.m.—Private funeral service begins, Charlotte
TBD—Private interment begins, Charlotte

All Charlotte events will take place at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters at 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.