Monticello, Ky. (WKYT) - Dwayne Pelkey says the tragedy that took the life of his neighbor is a grim reminder of death’s sometimes unexpected…yet sudden ending.

“It just makes me realize that everyday could be the day we’re called home by the Lord,” said Pelkey, who has lived beside Maggard for several years.

John Maggard was riding his lawn tractor Tuesday afternoon when something caused the tractor to go over the steep edge and plunge into the waters below.

“It was a 90 degree dropoff to the lake. He and his tractor went over the hill,” said Pelkey. Emergency crews had to to out on the lake to retrieve his body.

The 70 year old man and his wife had called the pristine house that overlooks Lake Cumberland on Hickory Point home for years…yet he was a native of Ohio.

“He was a hard worker, a workaholic. He loved this place and worked to keep it in the best of condition. Always mowing the grass and planting flowers and landscaping,” said Pelkey.

John Maggard recently retired after serving as the pastor of a church in Hillsboro, Ohio. He had preached at churches all over southern Kentucky. His family says his ministry lasted nearly 50 years and that he and his wife had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

And whether in church or out of it…Maggard was frequently found talking about his faith.

“In fact, if you would talk to him, he would probably witness to you about being saved, and getting yourself right with the Lord…that’s what I really remember about John,” said Pelkey .

An untimely death…yet his friends and family say Maggard was the kind of person who would tell you to be prepared for moments like the one that ultimately took his own life.