BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
The driver of a church bus died on Friday at a local hospital. Last Monday, December 3rd, the Florida Highway Patrol investigated an accident involving a church bus. The bus crashed into a wall and caught fire while on Interstate 4.
The bus, which belonged to First Baptist Church of College Hill, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 4 in the center lane. The driver, Martin Rufus Silas, Jr., of Seffner, lost control of the bus due to a medical emergency.
The bus veered to the left, then to the right before colliding with a crash attenuator, located near the entrance of ramp to the eastbound Florida Department of Transportation weigh station. After the collision, the bus caught fire and was partially burned.
Mr. Silas was transferred to the hospital, where he was admitted. His daughter, Ms. Becky Silas, said her father was never discharged from the hospital and died on Friday.
Mr. Silas was raised and educated in Chicago, Illinois. After serving a stint in the U. S. Army, Mr. Silas relocated to Tampa.
He served as an educator in the Hillsborough County School District for 35 years.
Mr. Silas was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of College Hill.
In addition to church, he was a die-hard Bucs fan and enjoyed church and traveling. He is survived by 4 adult children, seven grandchildren, other family members and friends.
Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.
