Tragedy struck last week after a man, well-known amongst local sports circles, was killed following a fire at his Jacobs Pillar home.
Authorities say that at on Tuesday, December 7, at 8:02 p.m., E-911 dispatchers received a call reporting a house fire at 5056 Jacobs Pillar Road. Main Station Engine 59, Blue Springs Engine 69, Belk Engine 66, Cookeville Highway Engine 61, and Liberty Engine 65 with the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department rushed to the scene, along with deputies with the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department and a unit with DeKalb EMS.
It was reported that one of the residents at the home was outside walking their dogs when a loud “Boom” was heard. When they went to investigate, the fire was discovered.
Upon arrival firefighters found the split-level home with fire engulfing the lower area of the structure. There was also a report of a person trapped inside. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze, trying to keep the fire from spreading to the upper bedrooms, where the victim was believed to be located. Despite firefighters’ best efforts, they were unable to reach the man in time.
Officials say 43-year-old Edward Layne “Big Ed” Lemons was discovered in the bedroom, apparently succumbing to smoke inhalation. Lemons had apparently attempted to open a window in the home, but was unable and was overcome by smoke.
A Tennessee Bureau of Investigation fire investigator responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the blaze.
DeKalb Fire Chief Donny Green said that he wished to convey his appreciation to the local community for their assistance in using heavy equipment to recover the body.
“Ed was my dear friend and companion,” said DeKalb Youth Baseball President and DCHS Tiger Football Game Announcer Casey Midgett. “He would do literally do anything for people in his life. He loved kids of all ages. He especially loved DeKalb County sports.”
“Beyond that really though, he was an advocate for children of our county and its sports programs,” Midgett continued. “He was a larger than life type of guy, with a tremendous heart. I often wondered why people called him Big Ed. I thought it might be hurtful to him. Then I realized while people might have been referring to his stature, they were really describing the size of his heart. He made me a better person just because he chose to be my friend. I am so thankful that God chose to cross his path with mine in life.”
An account at First Bank at 200 West Main Street, Smithville, has been set up in Alex Lemon’s name, Ed’s son, who in addition to losing his father, also lost all of his belongings to the fire. Everything donated will go directly to Alex and his needs.
Money can also be sent through Venmo to the DCHS football team directly, and they will transfer the money to the account at First Bank. The account to send any donations to is @coreyarathbone.
