Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator G. Leon Smith said Billy John Tucker, 70, responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident at Alabama State Highways 35 and 73 in Blanche and was directing traffic near the incident. A car came over a hill, struck and killed Tucker.
Tucker served the rescue squad for 10 years and served the fire department for many years before that, and was a former chief of the fire department, said rescue squad Capt. Danny Smith.
Tucker is survived by his wife Peggy and their seven children, including two sons who are members of the fire department.
"Billy just loved life, and loved people. He was very active in the church, the rescue service and the fire department," Smith said. "Billy was very outspoken, and very much dedicated to serving his fellow man."
Smith said the family received friends Tuesday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Summerville, Georgia. The interment took place at 12 p.m. Wednesday at the A.M.I. Cemetery in Menlo, Georgia. The family has requested that any donations be made to the Cherokee County Rescue Service at 725 Cedar Bluff Rd. in Centre, AL 35960, or to the Broomtown Volunteer Fire Department at 2340 County Road 46 in Gaylesville, AL 35973.