SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Thousands are expected to attend a public funeral Friday for Mormon leader L. Tom Perry, who died at the age of 92 from cancer.

The funeral is set to begin at 11 a.m. in Salt Lake City at the Tabernacle in Temple Square. Perry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' highest governing body, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He died Saturday.Perry spoke regularly at church conferences and was one of four leaders to meet with President Barack Obama during his recent Utah trip.

He was known for his big grin and his optimism. He worked as a retail executive before being named to the quorum in 1974. A replacement will be chosen by church president Thomas S. Monson. That decision could take months.

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