Sgt. Aaron M. Arthur, 25, of Lake City, S.C., died March 8 north of Al Kut, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. They were assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, attached to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Family members and friends who gathered Wednesday for the funeral service of U.S. Army Sgt. Aaron Montell Arthur said the young man was respectful and dedicated to reaching his full potential in life.

Arthur, known as "Mooney," died March 8 of injuries he received when a vehicle rolled over north of Al Kut, Iraq, the U.S. Department of Defense announced last week.

Family members, friends and residents of his hometown, Lake City, gathered at Believer's Holiness Convention Center in Coward to celebrate the life of the fallen solider.

Famous McFadden, a cousin of Arthur's, said many people think Arthur left too soon, but if a person can do what God wants him or her to do in 25 years — as Arthur did — then it's all right.

McFadden said he didn't come to the funeral to grieve or to be angry, but to celebrate the life of his cousin.

"Its not how long you live, but what you do while you live," said Junior Bishop Dr. Linwood Cooper of Saint Mark and Trinity Believers Holiness Churches.

Sgt. Major Northern Miller, a Junior ROTC instructor at Lake City High School, said he had the privilege of knowing Arthur for 11 years after the future soldier entered the Junior ROTC classroom as a 14-year-old "kid."

"I watched him grow into an outstanding man," Miller said.

The sergeant described Arthur as quiet and serious about life.

Miller said Arthur was like a son to him and always visited when he was home.

"He was more than a solider; he was a Christian," Miller said. "We will see you on the other side."

Also during remarks from those who knew Arthur, Zack Nero said the late soldier was a kind and nice young man.

"He always respected those around him," Nero said.

Nero told Arthur's family members to remember the good times.

"He lived life to the fullest," said Charles McFadden, a member of Arthur's family. He said Arthur was very thoughtful, considerate, lovable, caring and curious.

Charles McFadden said Arthur always stayed in constant contact with family and friends and remembered the values that were instilled in him.

"His service to his country has been outstanding," he said. "His service to his family will be cherished forever."

Tonya Nesbit, also a relative of Arthur's, said that if Arthur were here today, he would say that he is safe in God's arms and that no one would have to worry about him anymore.

"Today is the day of salvation," Nesbit said, adding that Arthur would want his family members and friends to be seek salvation.

She said she remembered the excitement Arthur felt when joining the Army. Arthur was an "awesome" person whose spirit will live forever, she said.

The Rev. Charles R. Brown, Pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Lake City, said in his eulogy that "we all have an appointment date, but don't know when or where" and that the Bible says, "Therefore be ye also ready."

Brown said that before the funeral, he learned from Arthur's family members that Arthur had accepted Christ as his savior and believed in God.

Arthur graduated in 2003 from Lake City High School, where he played varsity football for four years. He was a member of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member of the choir and usher board.

As a six-year veteran in the Army, Arthur received many awards and ribbons, including two Army Good Conduct Medals, an Overseas Service Ribbon and a Combat Action Badge.

He was married Dec. 31, 2004, to Darsal Graham Arthur, according to his obituary.