WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Fallen Montgomery Marine Laid to Rest

Fallen Montgomery Marine Laid to Rest

Saturday was a somber day in Montgomery as a fallen marine was laid to rest. Corporal Brad Payne lived out his dream of becoming a marine- at the ultimate cost of being killed in the line of duty.

In the sanctuary of Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, mourners sought comfort in biblical scripture.

"Jesus said there is no greater act of love that someone can give than that of giving one's own life,"said Dr. Rick Marshall, the Payne family's pastor.

Family and friends recalled fond memories of Corporal Brad Payne.

"Your memories of Brad are yours and they are alive today," said Jack Kale, Brad Payne's pastor.

Payne was among several marines who died after a roadside explosion in Iraq October sixth. A blast that hit closer to home than anyone could have imagined.

"Brad was not comfortable wearing someone else's shoes because he knew at an early age that God had a purpose for his life that only he could walk," said Sharon Payne Barnes, Brad's sister.

But he died while living out one of his lifelong dreams. Payne's decision to join the marines is recorded in a letter he wrote in the sixth grade.

Outside the church, the funeral procession escorted by nearly a hundred members of the patriot guard. At graveside his widow bid a painful final farewell.

"Brad understood there is a difference between giving one's life and having one's life taken away," said Kale.

Corporal Brad Payne received a Purple Heart and a distinguished service medal. He was only twenty-four years old.

Courtesy: Theo Travers