A former Roane County school board member was hit by lightning around 5 p.m. last Friday at a home on Walnut Grove Road in Kingston. Sheriff Jack Stockton says 75-year-old Everett Massengill had just finished mowing his lawn and was walking to his home when he was struck and killed instantly. Massengill worked for Roane County Schools for more than 20 years and also served in the U.S. Army.

The Roane County School System released this statement this morning:

“Roane County Schools would like to ask that you please keep the family and friends of former School Board member Everett Massengill in your thoughts and prayers. Mr. Massengill lost his life in a tragic accident on Friday, July 6, 2018, and his cheerful personality and encouraging words will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”