Missing sailor laid to rest in Sneedville

For an hour Saturday, the City of Sneedville stood still.

"I felt I should honor this man, since he honored me with his life," said Carol McDonald.

McDonald was among a crowd of citizens, Patriot Guard Riders and fellow Seaman who came to say goodbye.

"This is a time for celebration. Because, he gets to come home," said Deb McKay, a member of the Patriot Guard.

The crowd brought ease to family members--like Denny Douglas.

"He passed away 12 years before I was ever born," said Denny Douglas. "My mom always told us how proud she was of him."

Denny's uncle is Seaman 1st Class General P. Douglas.

Seaman Douglas was serving in World War II when his ship was struck by a Japanese torpedo.

"They finally realized his body would never be found," said Denny Douglas.

Over 60 years later, he is brought home.

The Defense Department said his remains were found in 2006 by a resident of the Solomon Islands.

Officials used DNA, and other forensic identification to confirm that the body was Seaman Douglas.

In the midst of the scenery he loved, he was buried with full military honors.

"Everybody can be at peace and rest and know that the chapter has closed," said Denny Douglas.

Seaman 1st Class General P. Douglas is originally from Newcomb.