By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
A Saturday morning structure fire, at an apartment building on the corner of Second Street and Robert & Mary, has claimed the life of a Grayson city employee.
Carter County coroner William Waddell confirmed that Timothy Herron, an employee with the Grayson street department, perished in the fire. His body has been sent to the medical examiner’s office in Frankfort to determine exact cause of death, Waddell said.
City employees and community members, including Grayson Mayor George Steele, took to social media over the weekend to remember Herron and offer their support and condolences to his family.
“Our city experienced a tragic fire today,” Steele wrote. “Several families are displaced and need the help of our community.”
Steele remembered Herron as a valued city employee.
“Timmy has a pleasant disposition and a big personality. He will be missed by all of us. Our hearts go out to his wife and family,” he wrote.
“As we approach bedtime tonight, whisper a prayer for the Herron family and the first responders who worked this tragedy,” he added.
Steele also thanks the community for “being good neighbors and helping each other in times like this.”
“I am thankful for our small town and our people,” he said.
Steele also praised the first responders on the scene who, “performed their duties capably and with extreme dedication.”
Senator Robin Webb, who also employed Herron to work for her family, shared her memories of Herron on social media as well.
“He loved his family and worked hard at everything he took on,” Webb wrote. “From his day job, to his side jobs, he was dependable and honest… and I will miss his messages and him.”
Like Steele, Webb asked the Grayson community to, “hold his family in your heart and prayers,” along with the other families displaced by the fire, and praised the first responders and community members who reached out to help.
“I think he would be proud of his city’s response,” she said.
George Sparks, with Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson, is handling arrangements for the Herron family.
A fund has been established for the family by the City of Grayson, and began accepting donations on Tuesday. Those who wish to contribute may do so at the Grayson City Building.
Individuals with the Grayson Fire Department were not available for response at press time, due to inclement winter weather that kept them busy serving the community.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com