Army Chaplain Steve Shugart smiled as he retold the stories he'd heard from family members of Channing "Bo" Hicks and his childhood dream of being a soldier.
Hicks, of Greer, would play with plastic toy soldiers as he imagined donning a uniform himself one day.
On Wednesday, he was buried in a uniform after dying for his country. Hicks' body rested just several feet in front of Shugart in the sanctuary of Fairview Baptist on Wednesday, his casket covered by an American flag.
Hicks, 24, was killed in action along with Spc. Joseph A. Richardson, 23, of Booneville, Ark. on Nov. 16. The two men died from injuries suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit in Paktika province with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.
Hundreds crowded Fairview Baptist Church to honor Hicks, the Greer native known for his selflessness just as much as his welcoming southern drawl.
Shugart, one of two people delivering eulogies Wednesday, drew upon the era of the Roman centurion in Biblical times when describing Hicks. In those days, he explained, if a Roman soldier dropped his heavy pack or shield in front of you, you had to carry it with you on the soldier's journey on foot.
The imposed Roman custom, in one Bible story, led to a follower of Christ not only walk the first mile asked of him by a Roman soldier - he volunteered to walk the second as well.
"Bo was a second mile person - he was willing to go that second mile," Shugart said. "Second-mile living is about perseverance."
The funeral service began with the singing of the National Anthem, and ended with God Bless the USA. In between, Shugart and Rev. Wally Winner did their best to remind Hicks' grieving family and friends of the love and support they had of both their lord and their community.
"The response of this community to this soldier and his family has been overwhelming," Winner said.
He drew upon the Bible story of Mary Magdalene grieving at the tomb of Jesus, only to be surprised by the resurrected Christ.
"Just as Jesus heard Mary's crying, he hears your crying," Winner said.
Outside the sanctuary, dozens of photos lined a table showing Hicks throughout his life. Meanwhile, his boots and helmet stood outside as a solemn reminder of Greer's loss of a native son.
Hick was buried with full military honors at Wood Memorial Park in Duncan.
Check out Patch.com's extensive photo gallery of the service HERE.