A marine with local ties, killed in Afghanistan, was remembered Wednesday as a hero for the way he lived his life.

Helicopter pilot Captain David "Seth" Mitchell was one of four men killed last month when two helicopters collided.

His funeral was held at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary where more than 300 people gathered to say goodbye.

Seth's teenaged years were spent in Ohio but his family moved back to Apex.

His father, Steve Mitchell, said his son liked to venture out of his comfort zone and had commitment to his friends, family and country.

"We're going to miss him dearly, and we're very proud of the man he had become," Mitchell said.

Captain Kate Geary, a good friend of Seth's, said her friend was a hero because of the way he lived his life.

"He was the most benevolent man I've ever met," Geary said.

Friends described a quick-witted and kind-hearted man.

"I will remember his heart when I am angry, his courage when I am scared, and his giggle when I am sad," Geary said.

Seth hiked and surfed with his friends, but it was his father who helped nurture his dream to fly.

"For his 12th birthday, he talked us in to taking his first solo flight," Mitchell said.

In turn, he said his son ended up inspiring him in life.

"I learned trust and loyalty to friends and family, he worked hard at it constantly," Mitchell said.

Seth is survived by his parents, younger brother and extended family. He will be laid to rest Friday at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.