MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Residents in Montgomery County came together Friday again to say goodbye to a young man who gave his life while bravely serving his country, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Cpl. Brandon Smitherman, who was promoted to that rank after his death, was honored by family and friends.

Some of them were still stunned by the sudden loss.

"Who would have known that it would have been Brandon to be our hero?" family friend Kay Garris said.

According to friends, the 21-year-old Montgomery High School graduate was planning to surprise his mother and come home for Christmas.

Instead, his friends and family have been left only with fond memories.

"It hurts and stuff, but I know he loved it (in Iraq). When he'd come home on leave, he couldn't wait to get back and he knew what he was doing was right," one friend said.

Smitherman was killed along with a fellow member of his unit in Mosul, Iraq, when an explosive detonated near his vehicle.

Veterans lined the walkway to the Ark Family Church, where his services were held.

Army veteran Barry Russak said the loss touched his heart.

"My son served in Desert Storm," Russak said. "Going to a funeral like this, I know that by the grace of God, this could be my son."

With each loss supporters have shown up in numbers, standing along the streets and greeting funeral procession.

They said it is the least they can do for such sacrifice.

"(They make) the ultimate sacrifice. They do a lot," said James Dean.

Brandon's loved ones said they are trying to stay strong by focusing on his service and his memory.

"We're trying to look at it in a really positive way and we really salute Brandon," family friend Betty Christiansen said. "I think he was an inspiration to many people."