Local

Pastor hit, killed by bus laid to rest

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — A special service was held Tuesday for a worship pastor killed last Wednesday while cycling in Bartow County.

A memorial celebration for the 30-year-old pastor was held at the West Ridge Church in Paulding County.  Channel 2 Action News was there as loved ones got up before 1,500 people and spoke about Pastor Andrew Pray.

"Andrew was one of those rare people who really did give 110 percent," his neighbor Emily Morgan said. "When he talked with you, he was totally engaged and focused only on you at the moment."

His father, who is in the ministry, got up during the service and led a song in his son's honor.  The lead pastor of West Ridge spoke of Pray's love for his wife, Courtney, and his three children -- Noah, Halle and Carson.

"We will get through this, but we will never get over it," Pastor Brian Bloye, said of Pray's death.

Last Wednesday, Pray was hit by an Emerson, Ga., tour bus while cycling on Highway 41. The driver, George Carroll, faces following too close and second-degree vehicular homicide charges.

"Carroll was testing out a new tour bus, discussing the vehicle when he struck the pastor," Emerson Police Chief Stan Bradley said.