Adrian Lewis laid to rest

An Upstate soldier killed while serving in Iraq was laid to rest Saturday.

Family members said that Sgt. Adrian Lewis of Mauldin was a dedicated husband and the father of four young children.

"We want him to be remembered for his spirit for his kindness, for his generosity," family member Dorothy Earle said. "He was a wonderful father. He was a wonderful Husband. He was a wonderful son."

Lewis, 30, was killed last month by sniper-fire in Ramahdi. He was assigned to the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Stewart, Ga.

His youngest child is 3 months old.

Lewis' funeral was held at Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church in Pelzer.

"The biggest thing that we want people to remember is he had accepted Jesus Christ as his savior,” Earle said. “That makes this Easter season much more meaningful for us, even though he's not here."

A group of veterans known as the Patriot Guard Riders lined the entrance to the church as an unofficial honor guard.

"It's about a young man who went to Iraq and faced enemies of our nation," Patriot Guard Rider Randy Stevens told WYFF News 4’s Tracy Atwood. "I think it's a duty of every American to acknowledge that gift. That's why we're here."

Gen. Joseph Schrodel presented medals to Lewis’ family and praised him as a hero.

"He never complained. He never complained. That's the mark of a true leader who does make a difference," Schrodel said.

Lewis was due for a two-week leave in July and was scheduled to come home for good next January.

From WYFF 4

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Adrian J. Lewis killed by small arms fire