Crossville Chronicle November 18, 1975

89 year old John Harrison Tollett, a life long resident of the Big Lick Community, was killed instantly Friday afternoon, November 14 when a tractor trailer rig struck the 1963 Dodge car he was driving.
According to TN Highway Patrol Officer Jim Moore, both vehicles were traveling south on Hwy 127. The accident occurred about 14 miles from Crossville in the Big Lick community. The drive of the 1974 International tractor trailer rig was Raymond M Herring, 51, of Rt 2, Powell, TN.
According to Moore, the accident occurred when Tollett, reported traveling at a slow speed, attempted to make a left turn into the drivweay of his son's home. He was already in the process of turning left when the semi struck his car. The initial impact was on the driver's side and Mr Tollett was killed instantly.
Herring was taken to the Cumberland Medical Center where he was treated for chest injuries. He was later transferred to St Mary's Hospital in Knoxville where he was listed in good condition Monday morning.
According to Moore, eye witnesses to the accident said that Tollett gave the proper turn signal, but the semi, reportedly following too close, failed to stop in time.
Moore stated that in his personal opinion, the Herring vehicle was traveling in excess of the 55 mph speed limit, based on the skid marks that the truck left.
Charges will be brought against Mr Herring in the near future.
Funeral services for Mr Tollett were held at 10 a.m. Monday at Bilbrey Funeral Home with burial in the Big Lick cemetery.
He was a retired carpenter, and a member of the Big Lick Presbyterian Church.
He leaves 2 sons, Virgil and Johnny of Crossville; 3 daughters, Laura Rue of Ohio; Cora Kerley and Lela Hassler of Big Lick; he also leaves 5 sisters and 2 brothers. He was preceded in death by his wife. He also leaves 5 sisters, Dovie Allensworth, Birdie Fuller, and Beulah Rector of Oklahoma; Fannie Barker and Freda Selph of Texas; 2 brothers, Harry and Raymond Tollett.