Chad “Pimp C” Butler lived a celebrity life and will be mourned by many of the famous friends he made in the limelight.

Thousands are expected to attend the Port Arthur native’s funeral Thursday at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center.

Despite that fact, Butler’s publicist said she does not want to turn his funeral into a red carpet, mass media event.

“I’m not willing to confirm any of the rumors of the celebrities who will be at the funeral,” publicist Nancy Byron said. “This is a funeral, I’m not trying to build hype for this. It’s not the Grammy’s.”

However, Butler’s entertainment friends, including Snoop Dogg, Jay Z and Beyonce are expected to be at the funeral.

Although the Civic Center seats around 4,000 people, Byron said she expects the facility to be filled to capacity with those wishing to bid farewell to a native son.

“I know people are traveling across the country to be here and I hope to accommodate everyone,” Byron added.

Civic Center doors will open at 10 a.m. for mourners, however, the west bound feeder road at Texas 73 and 9th Avenue will be closed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

While fans are allowed to attend Butler’s funeral, Byron hopes they will respect the family and friends of the rapper.

No cameras of any kind, including cell phones, will be allowed into the Civic Center. Anyone seen attempting to take pictures during the service will be escorted out of the Civic Center.

Port Arthur Police Chief Mark Blanton said funeral attendees may be searched upon entering the Civic Center and anyone found with a camera or cell phone will be immediately removed and the cell phone subject to seizure.

Blanton added that firearms are prohibited in all city facilities even if the bearer has a permit to carry a firearm.

Byron also stressed that appropriate funeral attire will be required.

Security for the funeral and private internment will be provided by PAPD, two constable’s offices, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Groves Police Department.

Butler, 33, was found dead in a Sunset Strip Hotel last Tuesday. His cause of death is still under investigation but an L.A. County coroner ruled that Butler died of natural causes. He was the co-founder of the rap sensation, UGK.