AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The lives of those closest to Army Sergeant Robert Billings changed without a moment's notice when he was killed in action on October 13, 2012 in Afghanistan.
Sunday his family shared his story to remember the man who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
A uniform that unites the brotherhood of any military branch, united three generations of a family while capturing the heart of Robert Billings.
"When I got to pin his infantry rope on, that's when it all started," said Kelly Billings. "He was proud of that uniform and he knew what it stood for, and he was not backing down and he didn't back down. He stood his ground."
Army Sergeant Billings was a fire leader, and while on patrol in Afghanistan, his humvee hit an improvised explosive device, and it's was a friend who pulled him out of the vehicle.
"Daniel was the one that pulled him out of the humvee, so he's our hero too. That was his brother," said Hope Billings.
It was then that the Billings received the phone call that their son was going into surgery. Later, another phone call, no parent wants. The call, that their son didn't survive.
Billings is survived by wife Christy and four young children, Isaiah, Kayle, Elijah and baby girl, Omi.
Bobby not only gave his life to protect this country but also to make the generations before him, proud.
Roberts grandmother, Inez Smith said she spoke with Robert often and he said "I want my dad to be proud of me."
"That's why he went into the army," said Smith. "And his dad was very proud of him, very proud."
The fallen hero was described as the life of the party, loving and giving. Though his life has ended the memory of him, and his passion for family and service in the military, will live on.
"You know there's going to be troubles ahead, but you're going to stay in there, you know it's hard, but there's a reason behind it, and that's why we do this," said Kelly.
Billings served tours in Iraq, and Afghanistan.
He was scheduled to come home the first week of December.
Services for the sergeant will be on the October 27 in, Clarksville, Virginia.
