No other song, I believe, has had an impact on country music, in the last 30 years, than this one.  I don't think he wrote it to be a song for funerals.  But, I believe I've heard it at least 75% of the funerals I've attended.  Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless are flawless in their harmony work.  A true song for the ages.  It will be listened to long after we're gone.  I would put this song in the Top 10 country songs of all time.