The body of Sgt. Patrick K. Durham, Chattanooga soldier who gave his life in Afghanistan for the cause of freedom, arrived at the Chattanooga Airport on Tuesday morning.
A military plane with an honor guard touched down at 9:40 a.m. at TAC Air.
There was a brief ceremony at the airport with Rev. Everett Gossett giving a prayer.
The family, including Sgt. Durham's wife, Kristy Wright Durham; two sons, Elijah Durham and Jordan Gage Allison; one daughter, Cheyenne Fox; father, Sammy Durham; brother, Sgt. Brandon L. Durham; three sisters, Nikki Sizemore, Samara and Kristi Durham; two uncles, Donald and Danny Durham; one aunt, Sandra Durham; nephews and nieces, began a procession to the airport from Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace at 8 a.m. The route went along Highway 153.
The return route to the funeral home was Airport Road, to Highway 153, and back to Ashland Terrace.
Visitation at the funeral home is Wednesday from 4-8 p.m.
The funeral at the funeral home is Thursday at 2 p.m.
There will then be a procession to the Francis Cemetery for burial. Mr. English said that small family cemetery is on a steep hillside along two-lane River Canyon Road in the Suck Creek Community.
Ed English of Lane Funeral Home said the family at first planned to have the funeral and burial as private, but decided to allow members of the public to be involved and show their support for the cause for which he gave his life.
Sgt. Durham died Saturday, Aug. 28, due to a roadside bomb.
He served in the U.S. Army from 2006 until 2010 and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Family members said he "always had a smile that would enlighten anyone that he met. Patrick has left behind a grand legacy that will live on forever."
Condolences may be sent to www.lanefh.com.