GREENBRIER, Tenn. (WTVF) — Neighbors helped an elderly couple out of a tough spot Thursday night.
A tree fell into the home of Roy and Helen Shepherd on the 2000 block of Old State Highway 11.
The couple was in the living room as a heavy storm hit the area. They said they heard what sounded like an explosion before a branch broke through the roof of their house.
Much like we've come to expect in times of disaster, the long time friends and neighbors of the Shepherd spent no time waiting to help.
"He just called me, I put my shoes on, grabbed my saw and come on," said Tommy Stratton, who lives just down the road. "He watched me grow up since I was two years old. So, when he calls, I go."
Roy and Stratton's father were good friends in Stratton's youth. Now, he takes care of the 88-year-old with house hold chores.
It just so happens that in this case those chores are chopping up a large fallen tree.
"That tree is probably 60-70 years old. It just collapsed," said Stratton.
No one was injured in the fall, but the house has a lot of damage to the roof.
Roy Shepherd said he believes a tornado could’ve caused the damage. Though, there weren’t any other trees damaged nearby.
The Shepherd's home has had a revolving door. People have been streaming in and out the entire day to make sure the family is okay.
Stratton said he's not surprised. He said he expects there are a lot of people in Middle Tennessee who would have done the same thing he did.
Now the family is calling insurance to see how much it will cost to fix the damage.
Stratton said anyone who wants to help can look him up on social media and he would be happy to talk to them.
