Fans and well-wishers from across the U.S. and around the world crowded the streets of Louisville Friday to see the procession taking Muhammad Ali's body through his old Kentucky neighborhood, ahead of a memorial service drawing some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.

His cherry-red casket, draped in an Islamic shroud, was loaded into a hearse as a group of pallbearers that included former boxers Mike Tyson and Leox Lewis and actor Will Smith -- who played Ali in the movies -- left the funeral home in a double file. Ali's nine children, his wife, two of his ex-wives and other family members joined the motorcade.

The miles-long procession spans his life — from his boyhood home where he shadowboxed and dreamed of greatness to the boulevard that bears his name and the museum that stands as a lasting tribute to his boxing triumphs and his humanitarian causes outside the ring.

Hundreds of people crowded the streets in front of the Louisville funeral home holding Ali's body, many squeezing into a neighboring yard to catch a glimpse of the casket. Some made signs, and others wore Ali T-shirts. Thirty-six-year-old Mike Stallings, who brought his two young sons, said: "It's a real reminder of our mortality, to see someone like that so strong and now he's gone."

Takeisha Benedict and four co-workers were color-coordinated in orange "I Am Ali" T-shirts as they waited along Muhammad Ali Boulevard to pay their respects as the hearse went by. "To me, he was a legend to this city and an example to people. I'm just glad to be part of this history of saying goodbye," she said. "Opening it up and allowing us to be part of it, we're so appreciative."

Ali died last Friday at 74 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. A traditional Muslim funeral service was held Thursday afteoon, with admirers arriving from all over the world to pay their respects.

After the procession and Ali's burial, a plaed memorial service was expected to draw more than 15,000 people, including hundreds of celebrities and dignitaries. Among the speakers: Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal and TV joualist Bryant Gumbel. The king of Jordan and president of Turkey were also expected to attend.

President Barack Obama was unable to make the trip because his daughter Malia is graduating from high school. Valerie Jarrett, a senior White House adviser, plaed to read a letter Obama wrote to Ali's family at the service.

Louisville is accustomed to being in the limelight each May during the Kentucky Derby. But the send-off for the three-time heavyweight champion and global advocate for social justice loomed as one of the city's most historic events.

"We've all been dreading the passing of the champ, but at the same time we knew ultimately it would come," Mayor Greg Fischer said. "It was selfish for us to think that we could hold on to him forever. Our job now, as a city, is to send him off with the class and dignity and respect that he deserves."

People gathered early Friday outside Ali's boyhood home, which was decorated with balloons, flags, flowers and posters. Fans took photos of themselves in front of the small pink house with white trim. Some people staked out their place near the home with lawn chairs.

The Ali Center stopped charging admission. A sightseeing company began tours of Ali's path through the city. Businesses printed his quotes across their billboards. City buses flashed "Ali -- The Greatest" in orange lights. A downtown bridge will be illuminated the rest of the week in red and gold: red for his boxing gloves, gold for his Olympic medal.

How can the storied life of a man revered by fans worldwide be encapsulated in a two-hour service? As it tus out, Ali called the shots.

Years ago, the champ signed off on how he wished to say goodbye. One of his mandates was that ordinary fans attend, not just VIPs. Thousands of free tickets were snatched up within an hour, many fans waiting hours for the chance to witness history.

"Everybody feels a sense of loss with Ali's passing," said Mustafa Abdush-Shakur, who traveled from Coecticut. "But there's no need to be sad for him. We're all going to make that trip."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.