( CNN ) -- Family and friends attended a military funeral Friday to pay tribute to Lee Rigby , the British soldier killed in an attack in southeast London in May . Crowds gathered outside Bury Parish Church , near Manchester , and lined streets nearby to listen as the service was relayed by loudspeaker . Rigby 's commanding officer , Lt. Col. Jim Taylor of the 2nd Battalion , The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers , described the 25-year-old as a man who was `` truly charismatic '' and `` larger than life . '' Rigby had fulfilled a lifelong ambition to be a soldier and served with enthusiasm and courage , he said . The service was to be followed by a private family burial . Rigby was killed in a daylight attack on May 22 near the Woolwich barracks where he was based . Two men , Michael Adebowale , 22 , and Michael Adebolajo , 28 , are accused of his murder . A preliminary trial date has been set for November .
Family and friends attend a military funeral service held for slain soldier Lee Rigby . His commanding officer pays tribute to his charisma and courage . Rigby was killed in a daylight attack in southeast London .