A 4-wheeler accident claimed the life of Macon County Correctional Officer Steven "Bucky" Francis, Friday, July 4, at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Francis, 37, was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from injuries sustained in the ATV accident.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Gerald Carter has not yet completed the actual report, but was able to provide some facts on the accident.

According to Trooper Carter, Francis was traveling east on a 4-wheeler on Long Fork Creek Road. A dump truck was traveling west. The vehicles met in a curve and hit head on. According to the latest autopsy report, the blunt force of the accident was the cause of death.

Trooper Carter did report that Francis was wearing a helmet and was following all safety precautions. At this time no drugs or alcohol are believed to be involved.

A native of Lawrence County, TN, he was the son of Fran Francis and the late Earl Eugene Francis. He was married to Donna Harp Francis on October 16, 1992. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Francis, and brother, Danny Earl Francis.

Steven is survived by his wife, Donna Harp Francis; son, Daniel Gene Francis; mother, Fran Francis; brothers, Stan Francis and Vance Francis; father and mother-in-law, Oval and Mai Dell Harp; brothers-in-law, Mickey Harp and Scot Harp, all of Lafayette.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, July 17, at 4 p.m. from the chapel of Phillip Anderson & Son Funeral Home in Lafayette with Elder Dewayne Gregory officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Tony Chandler, Lannie Kelley, Travis Kelley, Bobby Beasley, Danny Keith, Stacy Woodard, Michael Veatch, Brett Minchey, and Gene Beasley. Active pallbearers were Mickey Harp, Scot Harp, Blake Francis, Vance Francis, Stan Francis, and Mark Gammons.

Macon County Sheriff's Department Jail Administrator, Judy Blankenship, said, "Bucky was a great worker. He treated the inmates like human beings, but kept them in line. He was a hard and dependable worker. He was like a son to me and I will greatly miss him. He will be greatly missed around here."

Chief Deputy Danny Fisher said, "He was a very trusted worker. He had been promoted to night shift sergeant. He treated the inmates well and some even requested to be taken to the funeral. He was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed."