MONTEREY, La. — Marine Pfc. Rick Morris Jr., a football hero during his days at Monterey High School who was killed by mortar fire in Iraq, was buried in his hometown and remembered as a “gentle giant”.

Many said they believed Morris was talented enough to play college football after graduation, but instead, he decided to join the military.

More than 300 family members and friends came Thursday to pay their last respects to the United States Marine who lost his life seven days earlier in a mortar attack in Al Qaim, Iraq.

They recalled that Morris, 20, never hesitated in spurning the gridiron for his true passion — service to country.

After delivering an emotional eulogy during the service, Morris’ sister Leah fought back tears while she spoke.

“There sure are more people here than I expected,” she said. “It’s what he deserved, and he’s earned this.”

Her brother had served only 17 days in the field after arriving in Iraq.

Nevertheless, the Rev. Russell Crum, the pastor of the Monterey Church of Christ and a close family friend, said Morris’ time on earth was well spent.

“Life can be taken so quickly, there’s no time to say ‘I love you,’ or ‘I’m sorry.’ His life was taken from us, but he’s fulfilled his dream,” he said.

Cutting through the quiet of a crisp, cool day, were the sobs of a community that had lost a young man they called a “gentle giant.”

The already aggrieved front row of family members were jolted to attention when three volleys were fired by the six Marines who were on hand to present his parents, Dana, and father, Rick Sr., the folded American flag and Purple Heart medal.

Shannon Bairnsfather recalled how her cousin, who’d moved with his parents to Lubbock, Texas, eight years ago, would come home and stay at her house during summers and Christmases.

“He wasn’t just another cousin,” Bairnsfather said. “He was active, he’d make you laugh. He was big, strong, sweet, a gentle giant. A tenderhearted young man. There are many, many boys still over there.

“You can’t help but feel good for them when you see them come home on TV. I just hope they don’t have to pay the price Rick did.”

The burial service was held on the property owned by Bairnsfather and her husband, Jeff. The Magnolia-Campbell Cemetery where Morris was buried lies on the same property. Morris was buried next to family members.

Morris’ lifelong friend, A.J. Smith, recalled just “hanging out” with Morris and other friends when he visited. Fond memories included tooling around in a small convertible and going to see the movies in nearby Natchez, Miss.

“At one time, he was the only one who had a license, so we needed him here to drive,” Smith joked. “There wasn’t much to do here. We just cruised. He was a true friend, real nice to everybody. A great guy.”

Lea Ann Morris recalled her late cousin’s passion for his country.

“He was a wonderful child,” she said. “He was a gentle giant, but he was intense. If he decided he wanted to do something, he’d do it. That’s how he ended up fulfilling his dream.”