The best thing anyone can ask for is that they have made the world a better place and are remembered fondly by those whose lives they touched when their time on Earth is through.

While I never met him, it is clear that Loxley Police Sgt. Charles Mitchum accomplished that goal.

On Thursday, I was honored to photograph the procession for Mitchum’s funeral as hundreds of people gathered outside of his service at the Loxley Civic Center.

During his life, Mitchum was active in the department and the community, serving in roles such as a field training officer for new hires, firearms instructor, shift sergeant and liaison to several agencies.

For his work on the force, he was named the Loxley Police Department’s Officer of the Year in 2011.

During the private ceremony at the civic center, Mitchum’s former pastor, Rev. George Weaver spoke to the more than 400 in attendance.

Part of Weaver’s comments included a statement from Mitchum’s family, who described him as an eternal optimist, outdoorsman, family man, a good Christian and a leader in the community.

The statement further described Mitchum as a man with a deep love for his two children and two grandchildren.

What more could you ask for?

Outside of the ceremony, hundreds gathered in a show of support for Mitchum, his family and the Loxley Police Department.

Law enforcement officers from across the state were joined by more than 40 motorcycle riders had assembled outside to escort the lengthy procession to a cemetery in Stockton.

Even for someone who never got to meet Sgt. Mitchum, it’s easy to see why so many came together to honor him Thursday.

“He is a role model, servant and friend that will be sorely missed throughout this region,” said Loxley Police Chief John M. Cason in a statement early last week.

All we can do in this life is aspire to be better than we were the day before, and leave the world a better place we are through.

While this is a time of grief for those who knew him best, my hope is that they realize how much he was loved by the community he served, and how he made our world better.

Jay Sowers is photo editor of Gulf Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at jay@gulfcoastmedia.com.