The boxing legend Muhammad Ali was finally laid to rest in a private ceremony at Cave Hill Cemetery.
The service served as the final homecoming of Ali who died from a respiratory illness as a complication of his Parkinson's disease. Before the memorial service started, a funeral procession brought his body into several places that were memorable for Ali, including his childhood residence, the high school he attended and the gym where he first trained as a boxer.
Will Smith, the actor who played the legend in the 2001 movie, "Ali" was among the pallbearers, together with Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.
During the ceremony, Lonnie, Ali's widow, shared the fond memories and the legacy that the boxer left behind.
"He was sure-footed in his self-awareness, secure in his faith and he did not fear death," said Lonnie. "As we face uncertainty, Mohammad's life provides useful guidance."
Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X, also spoke of the presence of Muhammad Ali in his life is the last connection she has with his late father. She added that Malcolm X considered Ali as his younger brother and a trusted confidante.
Standup comedian Billy Crystal was also there to pay his respects to Ali, who was his friend for 42 years. Crystal shared how the late boxer treated him as a "little brother."
"He was a tremendous bolt of lightning, created by Mother Nature out of thin air," said Crystal in his eulogy.
Ali was known to his close friends as a man with a great sense of humor, and former president Bill Clinton, who closed the ceremony, made sure all of those who attended knew that by beginning his eulogy with a joke.
Clinton went on to say how Muhammad Ali, "a man of both wisdom and faith," was able to take control of his life and his choices, which ultimately brought all of the people together to express love and honor.
"I think he decided something that I hope every young person here will decide, I think he decided very young to write his own life story," said Clinton.
President Barack Obama did not make it to the service as it coincided with the graduation of her eldest daughter, Malia.
The burial itself is the only private ceremony held for Muhammad Ali. The three-day celebration, which began on June 8, was how Ali instructed his family a few years back.
Close friends and colleagues, religious leaders from different faiths and swarms of fans were in attendance as well to bid their final farewell to the Greatest of All Time.
Photo: Ian Ransley | Flickr
