A car accident takes the life of a long time minister in Paintsville, who just retired this year.

It happened on U.S. 23 near Allen in Floyd County, where 81-year-old John R. Pelphrey lived. He was the pastor at Paintsville United Baptist Church from 1981 until just a few months ago.

John Pelphrey was a preacher for 65 years of his life. Since he joined Paintsville United Baptist, members there say the church has grown. They say even as his health was getting worse, his preaching and dedication to the church got even better.

Chris Rowland, who is the new pastor, says, "His preaching, it seems like, was really the best I had heard him in twelve years. And that's what he was known for, that's what he lived his life for, was preaching God's word."

Rowland says he's always looked up to John. "I feel like I've lost my mentor in the ministry. I've been here since 1997 with Brother John, and we've always worked well together."

Members of the church say Pelphrey served his community well. Senior Deacon Bill Johnson says, "He helped the church by going, and visiting. He visited the sick. He was very good about that till his health failed him and he couldn't do it."

Deacon Johnson says anywhere you went, people knew John R. Pelphrey. "People respected him, and they wanted to be where he was at. We got a lot of members because of John being John Pelphrey," he says.

They say he was a perfect example of leading a life that you preach. Rowland says, "The fact that he always put God's word first, and not only did he study it, but he lived it daily. He lived it daily, and that was the greatest thing."

Looking back on everything Pelphrey contributed, Deacon Johnson says he'll be difficult to replace. "I want his family to know that this church will, well, what can I say? We're just going to miss him, that's all I can say."

Deacon Johnson says it's fortunate that just a couple of weeks ago the church had a special service to honor Pelphrey and his years of commitment to the church.