ATTALLA, Ala. (WIAT)- 18-year-old Stormie Pinkston, has a birthday coming up on Tuesday, but instead of celebrating her birthday, she and her family will be making funeral arrangements for her step-father.

"He was good to my mom, he was good to me, good to his kid," says Stormie Pinkston.

35 -year- old Ronny Taylor, died late Saturday night, when his mobile home, at the intersection of Red Mountain and Gallant Road, caught fire. Inside, was Ronny, and his 13-year- old son. His son made it out alive, but Ronny didn't.

"I was stunned, too young for this to be happening really because he was 35, Shan's, 37 so this is too young," says family friend, Dianne Sigmon.

According to family members, Ronny, made the ultimate sacrifice. Although he had respiratory problems, that didn't stop him from waking up his son, and getting him out of the house.

"I think that speaks for a true dad, a true father because he made sure his son was out, even though he had health issues."

The saying goes, whatever doesn't kill you, will make your stronger, right now, Stormie, isn't thinking that far ahead.

"Ask me when I heal from this, and I'll tell you how strong I am."

The Etowah County, arson force task is investigating the fire. Meanwhile, family and friends are left searching for answers.

"We'll take it a minute at a time because a day at a time is too much right this minute, so we're just taking it a minute by minute. "