Memorial service held for Billy Graham's son-in-law Danny Lotz in Raleigh
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh was full of people who gathered to say good-bye to Danny Lotz, son-in-law of evangelist Billy Graham.
Lotz passed away on Aug. 19, a few days after being found unresponsive in his pool.
"As we spent the last moments with Doc and we watched him peacefully cross over into eternity, my first thought was 'We lost a great man,'" said Steven Wright, one of Lotz's sons-in-law.
The more than two-hour long 'Home Going' ceremony included speeches from family and friends. His youngest granddaughter even sang "Amazing Grace" before giving into tears.
While many tears were shed on Sunday, there was also laughter. His children shared funny moments they had with their dad.
"My dad would have loved this. He said he always wanted to go to his own funeral to see who showed up and who wouldn't," said Lotz's daughter Rachel-Ruth Wright through laughter and tears.
Also in the crowd and at the podium was Lennie Rosenbluth. Rosenbluth played basketball at UNC with Lotz. The two played together on the undefeated team that won the NCAA National Basketball Championship game in 1957.
"Danny was a great friend, teammate of mine and a very special person in my life," said Rosenbluth.
While at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Lotz also made history by starting the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He graduated from UNC's Dental School in 1963, was a captain in the Air Force, and married the love of his life Anne Graham in 1966. Together the couple have three children and three grandchildren.
When Lotz was 50, he was diagnosed with Adult 1 diabetes. The disease took his sight from one eye and hearing from one ear. Fighting through this earned him the nickname "God's Gladiator."
Through the years his health issues would also include heart issues and dialysis three days a week. In his obituary, he's lovingly described as plain spoken New Yorker and as a stubborn German. He's also described by loved ones as a compassionate Christian who worked everyday to follow in his faith.
