J.F. Ray, B. Toler Killed When Train Strikes Car, Feb. 25, 1923

Two Killed When Train Hits Auto. . . J.F. Ray and B. Tolar Victims of Crossing Crash at Rennert

Rocky Mount, Feb. 24—J.F. Ray and B. Toler, white, were fatally injured when the automobile in which they were riding was struck by Atlantic Coast Line train No. 83 at Rennert this morning.

Ray, who was a telegraph operator in the employment of the Coast Line at Rennert, was killed instantly, while Toler, who is said to have been an elderly man and father of W.J. Toler, another Coast Line operator, died shortly after the members of the crew from the train which struck his machine reached him. Bodies of both were badly mangled while the Ford car in which they were riding is also understood to have been completely demolished.

The body of Ray was found several yards from the crossing while Mr. Toler was found on the front of the engine when it stopped several hundred yards away. The train which is the Palmetto limited, was running at a terrific speed. However, no blame is attached to the engineer as there was plenty of open space for the driver of the car to see the approaching train. The motor of Mr. Ray’s car apparently stalled as he went on the track, according to eye witnesses.

The remains of Toler were taken in charge by his son and funeral services and interment will take place at Rennert, which is located a short distance south of Fayetteville on the main line of the Coast Line. Ray’s body, it was stated by local railroad men, was taken to Fayetteville.

Mr. Ray, who was 35 years old, lived in Fayetteville for four months, moving there from Buie, Robeson county, where he had worked as a railroad operator for several years before entering the insurance business.

Since then he had continued to act as a relief operator for the Coast Line when needed and was so employed at the time of his death. He was an industrious man, of excellent character, and was well liked. He leaves a wife and two children.

Mr. Toler was a well known farmer and a prominent citizen of the Rennert section. He was a member of a large family well known in Robeson county and had many relatives in Robeson and Cumberland. He is survived by a widow and several sons and daughters. He was 60 years of age.

From the front page of the Raleigh News & Observer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 1923