Beloved Tennessee Pastor Killed
The sudden loss of a cherished community leader can shake a town's core. That was the heartbreaking reality for Alcoa, Tennessee, on the morning of August 26, 2025, when 61-year-old Pastor Rowland Buck was fatally struck by a semi-truck during his routine bike ride just before heading to church. Buck's death has left a profound void — not only in the pews of St. Mark's Global Methodist Church, where he served faithfully, but also in the hearts of family, friends, and the wider community who knew him as a devoted pastor, a loving husband, and a genuine friend.
A Morning Ride Turns Tragic
What began as a typical morning for Buck quickly turned into a devastating accident. According to the Alcoa Police Department, Buck was cycling along East Hunt Road near North Wright Road when a semi-truck traveling in the same direction sideswiped him, causing a severe collision. First responders arrived promptly and administered CPR at the scene, rushing him to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in critical condition. Despite their best efforts, Buck succumbed to his injuries.
The abruptness of the incident has left many in shock. It's a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those who seem to live with purpose and vitality. Buck's morning bike ride was more than exercise — it was a ritual, a moment of peace before his day of spiritual leadership. That this routine ended in tragedy has deeply unsettled the community.
A Life of Devotion and Leadership
Rowland Buck was far more than a cyclist or a victim of a tragic accident. He was a pillar of faith and leadership in Alcoa and beyond. Serving as a pastor at St. Mark's Global Methodist Church since 2019, Buck was an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church and held significant roles including dean of the Cabinet of the MidSouth Annual Conference and presiding elder of the Knoxville District in Tennessee.
His leadership extended beyond sermons and Sunday services. Buck was known for his genuine care and commitment to his congregation, embodying the peace and compassion he preached. According to WATE 6 News, fellow pastors and friends described him as a "mighty warrior" of faith who lived his religion authentically and sought to share the peace of Christ with everyone he met. His impact was felt not only in spiritual guidance but in the personal connections he nurtured over decades.
A Marriage Rooted in Love and Faith
Behind the pulpit stood a man devoted to his family. Buck was married to his high school sweetheart, Sinda, for 38 years — a testament to enduring love and partnership. Their marriage was a foundation of strength and support, a shared journey through life's joys and challenges.
The couple's long-standing relationship added a deeply personal dimension to the loss felt by the community. It's one thing to lose a pastor; it's another to see a beloved husband and father taken so suddenly. The church and community have rallied around Sinda and the family, offering prayers and support during this unimaginable time.
Mourning a Friend and Brother in Faith
The grief extends beyond formal titles and roles. For many, Buck was a friend, a brother in faith, and a source of comfort. Jason Rowe, a fellow pastor and close friend, reflected on their two-decade-long friendship, recalling moments of shared prayer, fellowship, and mutual support. Their bond was like that of brothers, built on trust and shared spiritual journeys.
The outpouring of sorrow from the community underscores how deeply Buck touched lives. His genuine nature and dedication made him more than a preacher; he was an impact maker whose absence is keenly felt. The church has announced that funeral arrangements are being handled privately by the family, with the congregation and community encouraged to keep them in their prayers.
Reflecting on Life's Fragility and Legacy
Buck's tragic death invites reflection on the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. His story is a poignant reminder that even those who guide us spiritually are not immune to life's sudden turns. Yet, it also highlights the enduring power of faith, community, and love.
As you read this, consider the legacy Buck leaves behind — a legacy not just of sermons preached but of lives touched, friendships forged, and faith lived out loud. His story may be marked by tragedy, but it is also a testament to a life well-lived, a life that inspired others to seek peace and purpose.
A Community United in Grief and Hope
In the wake of this loss, St. Mark's Global Methodist Church and the wider Alcoa community stand united in mourning and remembrance. The church's leaders have called for prayers for Buck's family, especially his wife Sinda, as they navigate this profound grief. The community's response reflects the deep bonds Buck helped build — a network of support that will be vital in the days ahead.
While the pain of losing such a beloved figure is immense, there is also a shared hope rooted in faith. Buck's life and ministry remind us that even in death, the spirit of a true servant leader endures, inspiring those left behind to carry forward his mission of love and peace.
References: Pastor Killed Colliding With Semi During His Bike Ride Before Church | Pastor with ties to Chattanooga dies in cycling accident in Alcoa Tuesday | Community mourns loss of pastor struck and killed in Alcoa
