Loretta Lynn’s Ranch Ravaged in Flood, Foreman Dead

via Loretta Lynn’s Facebook

Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Humphreys County, Tennessee has experienced extensive damage in historic flooding currently ravaging much of the Middle Tennessee region after more than 17 inches of rain was recorded in some places, causing creeks and tributaries to run over their banks, and in many cases sweep away entire houses.

The flooding has also been fatal, and one of the now 22 people reported dead so far is the long-time foreman of Loretta’s ranch, Wayne Spears, who was swept away in the flood waters.

“Wayne has been a family friend to the Lynns and a fixture to the Ranch for decades and we are all devastated by his passing,” the ranch said in a statement. “The Ranch will never be the same without him but he will always be remembered for his ready smile, kind heart, and willingness to go the extra mile for everyone around him … He took such good care of things here on the ranch for us. He’s one of us and the whole Lynn family Is heartbroken. Please pray for his precious family and friends.”

Thankfully, Loretta Lynn herself and the rest of her family are okay, but video below shows how close the flood waters came to the main home on the ranch as flood waters roar past and inundate multiple buildings. Another video shows the same flood close up, and there is even a photo of Wayne Spears clinging to a post of one of the buildings of the ranch, with water well up above his waist.

Along with Wayne Spears, two seven-month-old babies also died in the flood, while over 60 people continue to be missing. The road to access Loretta Lynn’s ranch was destroyed in the flood as well.

Loretta Lynn’s ranch is home to a large camping and RV park with cabins and other facilities, and regularly conducts concerts and other events. The area the ranch is located in Humphreys County is considered to be one of the hardest hit in the flooding. Portions of Houston, Dickson, and Hickman Counties have also been hit hard.

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