On Monday, March 9, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a compact Toyota passenger car driven by Versailles resident Terry Withers was traveling south on U.S. 33, just north of Carpenter Pike, when it ran off the east side of the road and struck a tree. Versailles Police Department officers and Woodford County EMS paramedics quickly arrived at the scene. Woodford County Coroner Penny Baker pronounced Withers deceased. He was 69.

VPD said the accident is under investigation, and that it is unable to make further comment at this time. U.S. 33 was shut down from approximately 9:45 a.m. until shortly before 1 p.m. between Dry Ridge and Delaney Ferry roads.

Though not a Woodford County native, Withers parents moved to a farm in southern Woodford County near Nonesuch. There, his sister Mary Don Withers met her husband, John “Bear” Coyle, whose family farmed nearby and who went on to become the Woodford County sheriff and county judge-executive.

Following a career in the U.S. Army and then in a civilian role, Withers settled down in Versailles and lived near Mary Don following the death of her husband.

Withers was a beloved member of the extended Coyle Family – he was particularly close to Mary Don’s grandchildren, regularly visiting the children of Matthew and Jordan Coyle when Mary Don watched them.

“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of our beloved Uncle Terry. He was a man of deep faith, creativity and kindness whose love for storytelling and the theatrical arts brought joy to so many,” said his nephew Andrew Coyle, son of John and Mary Don. “Terry’s greatest pride, however, was always in his family and the relationships he cherished. We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers, support and memories during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.”

Withers, a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University who went on to study the performing arts at The Drama Studio London at Berkeley, California, performed on many stages and was well-known for his many roles at Woodford Theatre.

“Terry spent decades as a performing artist for Woodford Theatre in all types of productions, no role was too big or too small for him,” said Woodford County Attorney Alan George. “Terry contributed mightily to the expansive growth of the Woodford Theatre and was instrumental in elevating it to its now long-standing reputation as the finest community theatre in Kentucky. He entertained literally thousands in Woodford County, was beloved and will be terribly missed.”

Withers’ visitation and funeral service will be on Thursday, March 12, at Troy Presbyterian Church, where he was a longtime member and elder. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., with the service beginning at 2 p.m. A private family burial will be held at Battle Grove Cemetery in Cynthiana, Kentucky.