Billy Graham loved his Red Bridges BBQ in Shelby

SHELBY, NC — A small restaurant in Shelby, NC is remembering Rev. Billy Graham. The famous preacher would rarely pass through town without stopping.

"I grew up with him in my home," recalled Debbie Bridges Webb, owner of Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge.

Webb says growing up, she didn't realize that Graham wasn't just another regular customer.

"He’s always been a part of my home life with my mom and dad," she said. "They were always like family coming in."

[LINK: Billy Graham memorial schedule]

Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge was Graham’s stop - his go-to place - every time he’d commute between Charlotte and Montreat.

“He always came by here before I-40 was built. This was his stopping point," said Webb.

And so, it became Graham's favorite BBQ. He liked the pork barbecue plate with baked beans, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

Over the years, Graham became less of a customer and more of a family friend.

“He was our favorite customer and we loved him dearly," said Natalie Ramsey.

And as he got older and his health declined, Graham's family still came by to get BBQ to go for him. The food was even served at the Billy Graham Library for years.

When Graham turned 95, Webb got to be a special guest at the celebration party.

"I pray for his family, which I know they are rejoicing," she said. "It’s a loss here, but it’s a big gain in heaven."

The restaurant and recipe hasn’t changed much since the 1950s when it opened.  Perhaps that’s why it was so loved by Graham, a man who changed the world in so many ways.

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