What Houston meant to George Floyd

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After nationwide protests in his name, some of them escalating into violence, George Floyd will be laid to rest in his hometown of Houston.

The 46-year-old's life ended under horrifically visible circumstances that prompted many Americans to voice their opposition to social injustice directed at the African American community.

Beyond this, though, Floyd was a "gentle giant" to his friends and family, who, according to his school teacher, wanted to impact the country as a U.S. Supreme Court justice.

While he was born in Raeford, North Carolina, and was in the midst of a transition in Minneapolis where he passed away, Floyd was ultimately a Houstonian.

Mayor Sylvester Turner revealed early in the planning of the memorial that Floyd should be buried in the city he grew up in.

"This is our house. This is the same city that George Floyd grew up," Turner said. "And his body will be returning to this city. To his city."

Floyd grew up in Houston's Third Ward and graduated from Yates High School. He was a star tight end for the Yates football team, playing in the 1992 state championship game in the Houston Astrodome.

Floyd moved to Minneapolis from Houston about four or five years ago looking for better job opportunities and that he was reportedly doing well. His boss said his daughter still lives in Houston, and so do a lot of his friends.

HISD remarked on the impact of his passing:

The Houston Independent School District community is deeply saddened by the tragic and unconscionable loss of former HISD student George Floyd, who attended Jack Yates High School. We send our deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd's family and friends. As the Interim Superintendent of Houston ISD, I am committed to advancing - and achieving - educational equity in our communities of color. I firmly believe that a shift in the dialogue on race in our country begins in our classrooms, and this work will remain a top priority in Houston ISD. I am hopeful that the conversations taking place today will result in meaningful changes for our future generations.

Houston police also expressed a commitment early on to Floyd and the events to remember him.

HPD Chief Art Acevedo said he wanted the department to escort his casket. Acevedo was also highly visible over the course of protests in the city, most significantly during the march of 60,000 people in downtown Houston.

Today and tomorrow, ABC13 is bringing George Floyd's large scale remembrance to Houston and all over the region. His public memorial at The Fountain of Praise church today can be viewed in this post. His funeral, which is private, is set for noon tomorrow.

Floyd is being laid to rest next to his mother at the Houston Memorial Gardens in Pearland.

REMEMBERING GEORGE FLOYD: COMPLETE COVERAGE

George Floyd's casket arrives in Houston after memorials in Minnesota, North Carolina

George Floyd's body reportedly landed in Houston on Saturday ahead of Tuesday's final memorial service.

George Floyd family members join 60,000 protesters at Houston march

Thousands of people attended George Floyd march in downtown Houston.

Mural painted for George Floyd at The Breakfast Klub highlights need for change

In the video above, public artist Reginald C. Adams explains the meaning behind the new George Floyd mural he painted at The Breakfast Klub.

Mural painted in George Floyd's honor in Third Ward

In the video above, Donkeeboy talks about the incredible new mural in Third Ward for George Floyd and where in the neighborhood you can see it.

Name 'George Floyd' painted over iconic Houston 'Be Someone' sign

If you look closely, you can see 'George Floyd' written in gray over the 'Be Someone' in blue.

Trae Tha Truth joins rallies in Minneapolis for 'friend' George Floyd

Despite starting peacefully in Minneapolis, a third straight night of protests ended in violence. This is what Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth, who was a good friend of George Floyd,

Trae Tha Truth and Bun B react to officers charged in George Floyd's death

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Former classmates gather for George Floyd vigil and march in Third Ward

Former classmates of Floyd's from Yates High School marched from MacGregor Park in the Third Ward on Saturday.

George Floyd: Houston receives 'honor' to hold funeral

George Floyd's body reportedly landed in Houston on Saturday ahead of Tuesday's final memorial service.

Houston native was 'gentle giant,' friends say

George Floyd's son joins Texas protesters in peaceful demonstration

MORE FROM QUINCY: "Everybody's coming out and showing love. I love this, my heart is really touched by all of this," Quincy said.

George Floyd's brother condemns violent protests: 'My brother wasn't about that'

George Floyd's brother, Terrence, talks about his reasoning for visiting the place George died and asks for peace instead of violence, saying his brother also stood for peace.

Police Chief Acevedo wants to give police escort for George Floyd's funeral

In a powerful speech given by both Mayor Turner and HPD Chief Art Acevedo, the two said they will stand with George Floyd's family.