George Beverly Shea, soloist for Billy Graham for many, many years, served as the Grand Marshal in the Fourth of July (2010) parade in Montreat, North Carolina. Looking good! Article follows.
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MONTREAT — At 101 years old, George Beverly Shea says he's still got plenty of song left in him.
The gospel singing legend said he recently held a recording session in his home with country and bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs, and added that he plans to perform at the 91-year-old Rev. Billy Graham's next crusade.
“I might have a few frogs in my throat,” Shea joked, “but I'll sing.”
Shea served as the grand marshal of the annual July Fourth
parade through Montreat, the small town about 20 miles east of Asheville that is home to both Shea and Graham.Hundreds of people, many sporting red, white and blue clothing and hats, lined the streets around Montreat College to wave flags, catch up with family and friends and cheer Shea.
Children scrambled for candy tossed from classic cars and clapped as a boy with a big shovel cleaned up behind horse riders in patriotic dress. Several Montreat families, proud of their connection to the community, participated in the parade, too.
“You won't find a more down-home parade,” said Fran Aceto, an organizer. “This is just a big family reunion,” that includes an official flag-raising, a greased pole contest and evening square dancing, Aceto said.
Watching, honoring
Dave Walters Jr., of Wake Forest, watched the parade in a red, white and blue stove-pipe top hat with his wife, Stephanie, and their children, 2-year-old Madison and 5-year-old Kyle, as well as the children's paternal grandparents and extended family. His brother, Lincoln Walters, the head coach of Montreat College men's basketball team, was also in attendance.
“It's a great time to come and be together as a family and support our nation,” Walters said.
For Larry Wilson, who helped get the parade tradition started in 1969, the parade is all about fellowship.
“The parade shows a respect for our independence, our freedoms of religion and speech, and it shows a respect for our military forces and the people who are serving our country right now,” Wilson said. “I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this tradition.”
Shea's booming baritone and Graham's rousing preaching are known worldwide after decades of touring. The two men have a friendship that dates back more than 60 years. In an interview before the morning parade, Shea said he still checks in regularly with the evangelist.
Graham announced in May that he hopes to deliver one more sermon, but no details about a time, location or format have been released. Like Shea, Graham has remained active. Graham most recently met in his Montreat home with President Barack Obama while the president was vacationing in Asheville. And Graham hosted former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in November.
Shea, who was born in Canada and is a naturalized American citizen, said he was used to celebrating on July 1, which is known as Canada Day or Dominion Day. He said he was excited to lead his hometown parade.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I had to wait until I was 101 to get it,” Shea said with a laugh. “I'm honored.”
