The Coffee County High School football players said goodbye to teammate Malik Sparkman on Monday, but not before granting his dying request.
The body of Sparkman, who died May 17 following a battle with kidney cancer, was escorted across the school's campus in Douglas, Georgia, during an emotional funeral procession, through the Trojans' tunnel and onto the Jardine Stadium field one final time.
"Malik was certainly special to all of them," Coffee County football coach Robby Pruitt
told WTVM, the local ABC affiliate.According to the Coffee County Police Scanner YouTube account, more than 500 people -- including members of the football team wearing Trojans jerseys -- paid their final respects to Sparkman inside the school's gym.
The 18-year-old was diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma last year, and treatments forced the end of his playing days. Throughout, the linebacker remained in high spirits and confident he would conquer the disease. His ordeal became an inspiration for the tight-knit southern Georgia community.
"Every time I called him and checked on him, he always said, 'I am great, coach.' Never one time did he complain about hurting or being in pain," Pruitt said.
An outpouring of love and support flooded social media in the days after Sparkman's death, including a somber tweet from close friend and Florida State signee Jalen Wilkerson:
Can't stop the tears. My lil bro is gone man =%=%
#CancerSucks— Chosen_One (@88Dreamchaser)
May 18, 2015 According to WTVM, the football team plans to further honor Sparkman during the upcoming season, which would have been his senior year.
Much of the poignant gesture was shared on YouTube: