JACKSON — Army Pfc. Anthony Blount was looking forward to coming home next month for the birth his first child, a little girl to be named Avery Elizabeth.

However, the 21-year-old Petal, Miss., resident won't get the chance. He and another soldier died Wednesday in Iraq after the vehicle they were in hit a roadside bomb, according to Blount's brother-in-law, Nate McRae.

The U.S. military announced Wednesday that two American soldiers died while conducting a patrol in northern Iraq. The names were not immediately released, which follows Defense Department policy of withholding identities until a time after relatives have been notified.

"Anthony was one of most the hilarious people I've ever met. The guy was funny as hell," McRae said. "He was a really great spirit. And he was the last boy that could carry on his grandparents' name."

McRae said he tried to discourage Blount from the joining the Army nearly two years ago, but the Petal High School graduate was intent on serving in the military.

"He's extremely honorable," McRae said. "All of his commanding officers said he was just an amazing soldier. It's a tremendous loss."

Blount's wife, Amanda, is eight months pregnant.

Stephen Garrard, a director at Moore Funeral Home in Petal, confirmed Blount's death but said arrangements had not been completed.

Blount was outgoing and popular, McRae said.

"He was an amazing guitar player. He taught himself to play. He loved video games and hanging out with his friends," McRae recalled.

The last Mississippi soldier to lose his life in the Middle East also was hoping to get home for the birth of a child. William "Seth" Ricketts was on his fifth tour of duty and looking forward to getting home for the birth of his third child when he was killed in late February in Afghanistan, his father said.

At least 73 soldiers with strong Mississippi ties have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an Associated Press count.