Coming Home To Springfield, Marine Killed In Traffic Accident
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – On Saturday a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 40 in Mount Juliet TN took the life of a Springfield man as he was reaching out to assist another driver.
According to a THP report obtained by Smokey Barn News, Marcus Strain, 18, of Springfield, a Marine, was on his way home when he was killed by a passing vehicle while he was walking to assist another driver.
Two people were killed in the accident which occurred near the Beckwith Road exit in Mount Juliet around 12:30 a.m. Mount Juliet is in Wilson County, about 40 miles South East of Springfield.
Strain was traveling West on Interstate 40 when his 2013 Dodge Dart lost traction and made light contact with another vehicle, according to the report. Both cars spun around and stopped on the Interstate blocking several lanes of traffic. Strain then got out of his car to check on the occupants of the second vehicle and that’s when a third vehicle struck and killed him, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Marcus graduated from Springfield High School (class of 2015) and was well known and liked among his peers. He was a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corp and currently lived in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
“The kind of person Marcus was isn’t found in just any old place. His kind of person is rare and hard to find. A kind young man with alot of good things coming his way. Just being around him 24/7 and as well as being roommates makes this process so much harder to digest.
“He always cared for others and made an impact every single day. It didn’t matter if he knew you or not he still reached out to help those who needed it. I call him my brother because he is not by birth but through Christ he’s my brother. I miss my brother so much and I just ask God to just have him watch over us. If there is anything I could tell him one last time it would be that ‘I love you and see you soon my brother. Semper Fi.'” SheRon Night, Private First Class
“Marcus was an incredible person. He cared for everyone and always took the time to ask how others were doing. He genuinely cared about other people and wanted them to strive in life.
“No matter how upset or mad you were you could count on him to cheer you up. He was funny, smart, outgoing, and just a wonderful person over all. I believe he had a special and personal relationship with every person that he’s touched. We all love you Marcus and we miss you very much. God bless you.” Ericka Kane (friend)
“Marcus and I have been on and off since 2011, he was the absolute love of my life. He always knew how to cheer people up and he always went out of his way if someone needed help or advice. He always put everyone first. Marcus was a very bright and caring young man, he had a great future ahead of him.
“Marcus told a mutual friend that he planned to propose, he even sent her a photo of the ring to see what she thought. I learned of the planned proposal after the accident and it just tore me up.
“I will miss him so very much he will always have that one special part of my heart and that will never change, I love you Marcus rest in peace love.” Krista Johnson (girlfriend)
For WKRN News 2’s video report at the scene click here.
Friends Of Marcus Strain Celebrate His Life At Garner Park Friday
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Friday afternoon classmates and friends of Marcus Strain, a Marine who tragically lost his life last Saturday in a motor vehicle accident in I40 met meeting at Garner St park in Springfield to celebrate his life.
The group started arriving around 2:00 p.m. and stayed at the park until after a balloon release in Marcus’ memory at sunset, just a little after 6:00 p.m.
According to the group organizer, Marquasia Woodson, friends, classmates or anyone that wanted to honor and remember Marcus was welcome to come celebrate his life..
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I’ve been trying to text you but the message won’t send but I would like his watch. My number is 615-438-3795
first off I’d like to say I am so sorry for the loss of Marcus. my name is cory merryman, I am the son ofBeverly merryman, the other person that died. my phone number is 615 – 596 – 5996. please have any family members or friends contact me via text if you can because it has been hard answering the phone. but I believe I have something that belong to Marcus and would like for y’all to have it.my mother was an incredible caring person who would do anything for anybody no matter if she knew you were not and I guess God had different plans for the both of them other than what we wanted.I wish each hour I could wake up from thisbut I’m afraid that will never happen.but I have been holding Marcus’s watch and talking to him as well as my mother so we all will see them again someday.