At just 5 years old, Oakley Nimmo knew he wanted to be an 'army man.'
"I'm certain he faced things that scared him throughout his fight and he continued to soldier on until he couldn't soldier anymore," Arkansas Army National Guard Captain Ted Sharp said.
Little did Oakley know, he was already a soldier.
"We consider him a good soldier and there's no way that we could leave this good soldier behind," Sharp said.
Thursday, Oakley passed away after battling cancer most of his life. His family had one request for their little army man, whose dream was to serve his country.
"I didn't know Oakley Nimmo or his story until about Sunday evening. One of my soldiers found the family's social media post asking for current or former military members to attend the funeral in dressed uniform," Sharp said.
The request spread quickly and on Tuesday morning, Oakley's funeral in Camden was packed with military members, veterans, first responders and motorcycle clubs.
"It's really, really heartwarming when you walk in there and you see the show of support for him and his family," Sharp said.
Oakley was even made an Honorary Colonel in the Arkansas National Guard.
He may have been young, but his battle showed the world true heroism.
"On behalf of the veterans here in Arkansas and the veterans of this country and in this community, we're honored to be here for him. He's always going to be our army man, our little soldier, angel," David Cagle with the Arkansas Air National Guard said.
These service members would like to say something to Oakley's loved ones.
"My sincere condolences. I can't imagine the pain that you feel, but please know that the community here, also the state of Arkansas and the veterans all across the country will support you guys if you ever need anything. Please reach out to us. You'll be in our hearts and prayers from now on," Cagle said.
Oakley's friends and family described him as a sweet, fun, loving child.
They say he's now more alive then he could be here.