KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Friends and family members of the Knox County three year old boy who drown on June 28th gathered Thursday evening to celebrate his life.

Patrick Bradbury wandered away from his family that afternoon while attending a birthday party at Carl Cowan Park. Dozens of people showed up to search and pray for the missing boy. He was found dead a few hours later in nearby Fort Loudon Lake.

In spite of the tragedy, everyone attending the funeral service at Park West Church on Thursday was committed to making the event a joyous occasion. The Bradbury family encouraged children to attend and the church brought in inflatables for them to play with until the funeral service began after 7:00 PM.

"We wanted to celebrate his little life,” said Kristin Miller, a family friend. “We wanted to bless them and ask the spirit to come and bring comfort to their hearts. I absolutely can’t wait to hug them.”

Patrick’s graveside service will be held Friday, July 3rd at Fountain City United Methodist beginning at 10:00 AM.