The 82nd Airborne, an elite force in the Army, delivered Sanford's body for viewing Tuesday afternoon.
While only about 1,600 people can fit comfortably in the chapel, the church estimated that about 5,000 would attend. School officials can arrange for additional seating outside the chapel to accommodate some of the overflow, weather conditions permitting.
It is fitting that Sanford will be laid to rest in the crypt beneath Duke Chapel. Sanford is said to have spent many reflective hours in the chapel, especially during his tenure as president of the university.
Workers prepared Sanford's final resting place Tuesday. He will be only the sixth person so honored in the school's history.
Duke Chapel opened for mourners at a public visitation from 6:30 to 8:30, Sanford's family planned to greet mourners.
"He had so many good stories and so many things to talk about," family friend Nancy Marks said. "He had such a good deep faith, and there is no reason to be anything but thankful that we had him as long as we did."
A public funeral service begins Wednesday morning at 11. WRAL-TV will televise the entire service, and WRAL OnLine will carry it live. Sanford will be buried in a private ceremony in a crypt in the chapel's basement.
In Sanford's memory, the family is requesting donations be made to the North Carolina Performing Arts Institute.
Donations can be sent to:201 West UnionBox 90871Durham 27708.
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