CENTERVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Hundreds came together to mourn and also celebrate a life well lived. Centerville Assistant Police Chief Timothy Buchanan was killed over the weekend after being involved in a head-on car crash.
Timothy Buchanan, known to many as "Buck," was a big part of the community. Whether you knew him for five minutes or five years, everyone says buck treated you with the same kindness and respect.
The 51-year-old was an avid fisher, loving husband and father who loved telling jokes.
"His favorite saying was you dropped your pocket and when you look at him, he gave you the gotcha sign," said Melody Skelton, neighbor and friend.
Buchanan was always ready to give a helping hand and that's exactly what he was doing when his life was taken away.
"He had gone to help a friend move from his river house and got his trailer, he was helping another when a car crossed the median and hit him head-on," said Skelton.
Police say 34-year-old Corey Mason was traveling westbound on Saturday and Buchanan was driving Eastbound on I-40. Mason struck the bridge wall, crossing the median and hit Buchanan's truck head on. Buchanan passed away on Sunday. Mason, who was not wearing a seat belt, also died in the crash. Buchanan's friend in the passenger seat was injured.
"He was the type of person spoke to everyone he saw and always a really nice great guy," said friend Jason Anglin.
It is a loss the community says can never be filled but they will do their best to honor his memory.
His funeral services were held at Centerville's Church of Christ.
"He was the center of the community and there will be a hole in community that no one can fill," said Skelton.
