Family, Friends and Fans Come Together for George Jones’ Funeral – Pictures

George Jones was laid to rest on Thursday (May 2). After a nearly three-hour-long celebration of his life at the Grand Ole Opry, the country legend was buried during a service at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashville. It was an emotional day, but not one without a few smiles -- and even bursts of laughter -- as friends, family and fans shared memories of the Possum. 

The list of country music stars who attended was long and prestigious. Many -- like Garth Brooks -- only came to show support for Nancy, Jones' wife of 30 years. Non-music dignitaries like former First Lady Laura Bush and newsman Bob Schieffer told stories of meeting the singer, or of being touched by his tender heart and generous soul.

The two performances that will be most remembered were Alan Jackson's rendition of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' to close the service, and Vince Gill and Patty Loveless's duet of Gill's 'Go Rest High on the Mountain.' Those not totally familiar with Jones and his legacy better understood how important he was to country music after watching a current statesman of the format fall apart on stage. Loveless -- and his faithful guitar -- helped him finish, but beginning with Brooks, the audience at the Grand Ole Opry stood to show solidarity.