BILLY STANLE
Y
Y August 18th, 1977, the day we buried my brother. The 16th was one of the worst days I had experiencezz d in my young life. I was 24 years old at this time. On the 17th I stood and watched as the public got to view Elvis as he laid in state. I was performing my last official duties for Elvis.
1977, the day we buried my brother. The 16th was one of the worst days I had experiencezz d in my young life. I was 24 years old at this time. On the 17th I stood and watched as the public got to view Elvis as he laid in state. I was performing my last official duties for Elvis.On the 18th I said farewell to Elvis. Many people have asked, who was at the funeral? I always find that question a little insensitive. Could you tell me who was at your loved one’s funeral? I wasn’t interested in who was there. I was grieving, all my focus was on Elvis. Not who was there.
When the funeral started, I sat with Rick and David. I sat there completely numb. I was brought back to reality when I heard Vernon sobbing and weeping uncontrollably. I prayed to God, please be with Daddy, Lord. Please don’t take him now. I knew Vernon’s health wasn’t that good. When Elvis died, his will to live left with him.
It was strange as I sat there, I felt like I was having an out of body experience. I could see me and everyone there, like it was a movie. Only to be brought back to reality when Vernon would cry out.
When the service was over, and after everyone had walked up the casket, me, Rick and David went to see Elvis. As we stood there and looked down these words came to me, in my head. I said, I hope you didn’t suffer or have any pain, Elvis when you passed on. I hope I never caused you and trouble while you were here. I only wanted to make you proud of me. I will carry you in my heart forever. Then I began to cry. David saw this, he said touch his hand, Billy. I couldn’t say anything, I just shook my head no. David took my hand and placed it on Elvis’ hand, then said. He’s no longer in pain Billy, he’s with God now. How I stood there, I’ll never know. My knees felt like rubber. We turned and walked back to our seats.
We sat there until they carried the casket out to the car, we followed when they took it to the hurst. As they were putting the casket in, a big tree limb broke and fell to the ground, it made a loud thud. There was no reason for that to happen, the tree was strong and healthy. Then a thought came to me. Elvis told me once, when I die and go to heaven, I will send a sign that I’m in Heaven. I took this as the sign Elvis promised. I managed a little smile.
I walked to the limo and took my seat. As the limo turned onto Elvis Presley Blvd. I saw the fans lined the street, that really touched my heart. As we drove down the street memories of Elvis and I racing down this very same road came rushing to me. Oh, how we would laugh and carry on when we did this. He even called me, my little daredevil. And, sometimes he’d say, “you are one crazy little (blank)”. That always made me laugh, when he said that. Then reality would strike again. I realized, this was my last ride with Elvis. I started crying again.
When we arrived at Forest Hill Cemetery I followed as they took the casket to the mausoleum. A few words were said, and that was it. We rode back to Graceland.
The past 3 days have really been tough on me. I relive them every year. I share what I can, because in some small way, it helps me deal with the loss of Elvis. But it takes it’s toll on me. Liz is the only one that sees it. I put up a strong front for the fans, but inside I’m hurting. It usually takes a few days for me to recover from Elvis Week. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for me, that’s for sure.
In closing, if you think this was tragic. Trust me it was, but it only went from bad to worst. Neither I nor Rick and David have shared what happened next. Maybe one day we’ll talk about it.