Newsoms farmer killed in tractor accident

Posted to: News Western Tidewater
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By
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 20, 2009

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY

A Newsoms farmer working on farm equipment early Tuesday died when a tractor ran over him, officials said.

Guy Pope “Buddy” Rountree , 64, was planning to retire this year, a neighboring farmer said. This would have been his last harvest of the cotton and soybeans he usually grows.

Rountree was attempting to start the tractor at around 9 a.m. when it jumped into gear, ran over him, and caught his clothing in the rear wheels, said Southampton County Sheriff Vernie Francis Jr.

“It was a real tragedy,” Francis said. “Farming is dangerous.”

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my heart goes out to his family

Submitted by ricke69229 on Tue, 10/20/2009 at 5:16 pm.

I grew up on a farm and was running tractors long before driving a car entered my mind. One of the best educations and life experiences a young man could possibly get alongside his dad, and a development of work ethic second to none. But I also know it's something that can turn tragic in a blink of an eye.