The sound of bagpipes rang out Friday in Nevils, where a community gathered to honor the life of a young man lost too soon.
Friends and family came together inside Trinity Baptist Church to remember 19-year-old Brian Buresh, who was killed in a motorcycle accident Monday evening.
Hundreds of people filled pews inside the church and listened to those closest to Buresh share their memories of a man described as a loving son, a determined protector and a role model.
“Brian was one of the best men that I have ever known in my life, inside and out,” childhood friend Joe Anderson said. “Brian’s good heart still beats inside my own today.”
Anderson said he met Buresh early in life and would eventually attend Statesboro’s Charter Conservatory for Liberal Arts & Technology with him. Buresh graduated from CCAT in 2011.
Anderson said the earliest memory of his friend is Buresh’s willingness to stand up for what is right.
“If I told you how many people Brian told me he could beat up, we would be here for quite some time,” Anderson quipped. “Every time he’d say that, it was because someone had disrespected a lady or one of his friends. Brian had a sense of being a great protector to all who needed it. He would give anything he had to help.”
Friends and family members standing to speak at Friday’s service described Buresh as a hard worker, a free spirit and someone who was “always true to his word, true to his heart and true to his family.”
Displays set up near the pulpit showcased photographs taken throughout Buresh’s life.
Pictures showed a young boy in a Christmas sweater holding his baby brother, several scenes of the teen enjoying the company of friends and a mature, young man dressed in a tuxedo, ready for a dance.
Atop Buresh’s casket rested a bouquet of wild flowers; included among them were items that represented his favorite pastimes — deer antlers and a picture of him fishing.
“He really loved the outdoors,” said Jacob Harrison, a close friend. “First thing on Monday morning, when stepping into school, Brian would say, ‘Well, I went fishing this weekend.’ We expected that every week.”
Kevin Buresh said his older brother was a dominant factor in his becoming the person he is today.
“Brian was a great man. If he ever saw you in Walmart he’d shake your hand, hug you and tell you that he loved you,” Kevin Buresh said. “There are a lot of things that Brian taught me. He showed us all a lot of things. Brian taught me how to live.”
Buresh’s father, Pete, said it is comforting to know that his son, a devout Christian, will live on in heaven. He took the opportunity Friday to address the many friends of his son’s who were in attendance.
He thanked them for their support, and encouraged the young men to always make positive choices. 
“You guys mean more to me than you could ever know,” Pete Buresh said. “You guys do right and be careful. I love you, each and every one of you.”
With the sun beginning to set, Brian Buresh was laid to rest in the Trinity Baptist Church cemetery.
Many in attendance echoed the words of Buresh family friend Amy Mascunana.
Mascunana said: “Our families’ lives will forever be changed for the better because we knew Brian and loved him.”

Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.