Though his family expected him to pull through, his wife new his time was up. Bernie Mac died leaving many souls sad and shocked. His memorial at the House of Hope has drawn major figures like Samuel L Jackson who will give a keynote among other key celebrities. Bernie Mac died of pneumonia. The memorial service was scheduled for today and thousands of his fans are already streaming the South Side Church to give their last respects to the celebrated comedian and actor.

Thousands attended the memorial while millions around the world will remember a Chicagoan who made them laugh on both TV and the big screen. Most of these fans slept overnight to guarantee a place inside the 10,000-seat House of Hope at 752 E. 114th St. The memorial service hall opened exactly at 10:30 a.m. Rev. James Meeks, who leads Salem Baptist Church’s House of Hope, welcomed the mourners with a key speech “We loved and appreciated the work of Bernie Mac,” Meeks said. “We’re here to be a blessing to the family, we’re here to have fun, laugh and enjoy ourselves.”

Mayor Richard Daley reminisced of Mac at City Hall to take photos with employees and talked about the 2016 Olympics and also recent gun violence against the city’s youth.” He represented Chicago in a way (that) he knew the street, he knew the people and that’s why he’s the king of comedy,”

A key speech by co-actor in Ocean 11, actor Andy Garcia, said “I’ll see you upstairs.” Others who were in attendance were Comic and actor Chris Rock and the Rev. Jesse Jackson are on stage. Samuel L Jackson is scheduled to give his speech in the next memorial service in the second hour of the service.