Friends of an Afghanistan war veteran are raising money to help bury the man they say gave so much for his country.

Zachary Finley, a 2006 graduate of Sparkman High School, died Sept. 29 at age 26. He served as an Army combat medic in Afghanistan before being honorably discharged for medical reasons. He was receiving disability while living in Ozark when he developed an infected tooth which quickly became abscessed with the poison spreading through his blood stream and weakening his heart.

Finley was awaiting open heart surgery at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan when he died.

Finley's cousin, Nathan McKnight, said Finley lived a "short but fulfilling life."

"Anyone who knew him loved him," he said. "He loved and cherished every moment with anyone around him. He served his country with honor and dignity."

Christensen said Finley's mother died when he was young and he was raised by an aunt and uncle.

"Since he was not active duty military, his family only got $250 to pay for his funeral," friend Andrew Christensen said. "We decided to try and raise the money to pay for a fitting funeral. One that he deserves."

The cost of the service will be $11,500. As of Thursday, $4,600 had been raised to cover the cost of the services. The funeral will be held Saturday at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, with burial following at Gatlin Cemetery in Ardmore.

If you're interested in helping, there is a Go Fund Me account or visit the Facebook page. Donations can also be made at any Wells Fargo Bank to the Zack Finley Donation Fund.