RJ JUKES
Memphis Cemetery Tour
Part II
ELVIS "left the building" here over 30 years ago and settled in GRACELAND.
(contains footage from Elvis' 1977 funeral)
Elvis remained entombed at Forest Hill for two weeks. Some reports say that Vernon Presley intended for Elvis to be buried there temporarily, until burial permits could be issued for Graceland. Other sources say there was a body-snatching attempt, and Vernon got spooked, had Elvis exhumed - to be reburied at home. Either way, it was done in secret. Since Elvis was removed, the cemetery has maintained the crypt as a shrine, at their own expense. It is still empty, and for sale now. From what the cemetery staff told me, it ain't going cheap.
There was a brief service in the chapel of the mausoleum, just inside these doors. 150 friends, family and celebrities attended it. After a couple of short prayers and poems, his casket was wheeled to corridor Z of the mausoleum, and placed in the crypt. One by one, family paid their final respects. Elvis' dad Vernon was the last to kiss the coffin.
~ Part two of this series.
Memphis Cemetery Tour
I have always loved old cemeteries for their ability to shed so much light on the history of a region as well as the craftsmanship that goes into such areas.
RJ Jukes
Memphis Cemetery Tour
Part II
ELVIS "left the building" here over 30 years ago and settled in GRACELAND.
(contains footage from Elvis' 1977 funeral)
Elvis remained entombed at Forest Hill for two weeks. Some reports say that Vernon Presley intended for Elvis to be buried there temporarily, until burial permits could be issued for Graceland. Other sources say there was a body-snatching attempt, and Vernon got spooked, had Elvis exhumed - to be reburied at home. Either way, it was done in secret. Since Elvis was removed, the cemetery has maintained the crypt as a shrine, at their own expense. It is still empty, and for sale now. From what the cemetery staff told me, it ain't going cheap.
There was a brief service in the chapel of the mausoleum, just inside these doors. 150 friends, family and celebrities attended it. After a couple of short prayers and poems, his casket was wheeled to corridor Z of the mausoleum, and placed in the crypt. One by one, family paid their final respects. Elvis' dad Vernon was the last to kiss the coffin.
~ Part two of this series.
Memphis Cemetery Tour
I have always loved old cemeteries for their ability to shed so much light on the history of a region as well as the craftsmanship that goes into such areas.
RJ Jukes
- Category
- Elvis Presley
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