KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — A Knoxville soldier who died during a training exercise in Alaska returned home on Friday. Specialist Jeremy Evans' body was taken from McGhee-Tyson Airport to Mynatt Funeral Home in Halls.
He was a Gibbs High School graduate where he played tuba in the school's band. He was also a son, husband and friend.
His death was also the second loss of a hero in East Tennessee this month. The first death was Knox County Deputy Tucker Blakely, who was fatally shot in the line of duty. Soon after, Spc. Evans died.
Justin Pratt is the lead pastor at Clear Springs Baptist Church. He presided over Blakely's funeral and will do the same for Evans' on Sunday. He said he's humbled to serve families whose loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice.
"I want this family to know their loved one didn't die in vain, that they died for a worthy cause," Pratt said. "They gave their life for the protections and the freedoms that we enjoy as both Knox County residents and citizens of the United States of America."
The funeral will be held at Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton on Sunday, starting at 4 p.m.