Retired officer and volunteer firefighter killed in Greene County crash while delivering hurricane relief supplies
GREENE COUNTY — A Greene County man remembered as a firefighter, veteran, and retired Greenville police officer died Friday morning while transporting Hurricane Helene relief supplies.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Stuart “Spanky” Stevens, 60, of Snow Hill, was driving north on U.S. 13 near Murphrey Street, outside Farmville, when he lost control of his pickup truck and trailer around 7:45 a.m. Investigators say Stevens was attempting to pass another vehicle when his truck veered off the road, struck a ditch, and overturned. He died at the scene.
Troopers confirmed the truck was loaded with disaster relief materials bound for western North Carolina. Stevens had been on his way to meet another retired officer in Greenville to coordinate the delivery. The other retired officer is said to be working with the wrecker service to ensure that all the salvageable relief items going to western North Carolina would still make it there.
The crash shut down one lane of U.S. 13 for several hours while authorities investigated. Patrol officials have not yet said whether speed, road conditions, or the trailer’s load contributed to the accident.
News of Stevens’ death spread quickly across Greene County, where he was deeply involved in public service. The Jason Rural Fire Association shared its grief in a public message:
“Sad news on one our Fire Department members this morning. Stuart ‘Spanky’ Stevens lost his life in a vehicle accident. The Jason Rural Fire Association sends our thoughts and prayers out to the family, friends and many associates of ‘Spanky’. We will miss him greatly around the department. He was doing what he loved—helping others,” wrote Chief Curtis Hilbourn.
Greene County Commissioner Derek Burress also reflected on Stevens’ legacy:
“It’s never easy losing a fellow firefighter, especially when they’re out helping others. I had the privilege of knowing Stuart Stevens through the Jason Fire Department. ‘Spanky’ passed away while hauling hurricane relief supplies to western North Carolina, a true reflection of the kind of person he was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time.”
Stevens was also a past commander of VFW Post 7032. The post honored him with the words, “Rest easy Stu, your watch is done.”
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