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'Everyone Called Him Piano Man' Soda Shop Owner, Customers Mourn Friend, Church Leader, and Pillar Killed In Hit-and-Run

'Reggie' was a great guy, and he will be missed dearly. He played piano for the shop, Graham Soda Shop and Grill owners say.

GRAHAM, N.C. — We're learning more about the man who died in a Burlington car crash while standing on the sidewalk. Burlington Police say Reginald Stewart Jeffreys, 58, was taken to the hospital where he later died of his injuries. 

Graham Soda Shop and Grill told WFMY News 2 that 'Reggie' was a great guy, and he will be missed dearly. He played piano for the shop for about 7 years. 

Pastor Reverend Doctor Dannie Williams also said Jeffreys was the Minister of Music at Melfield United Church of Christ. 

He was involved with many churches. Jeffreys was the praise leader at First United Methodist Graham for several years, one of his friends say. 

In a 2017 video you can hear Reggie saying: "This is the official 'Piano Man,' check out get a shot of this piano here."

 Pedestrian Killed in Burlington Car Crash, Suspect Leaves Hospital: Police

Jennifer Talley, the owner of Soda Shop and Grill said everyone called him 'Piano Man.' The piano they got him to play outdoors even had the words painted on. 

"It's really really hard to imagine that we're not going to get to see him on a regular basis because he was so much a part of our lives," Talley said. 

She stressed that he was more than a coworker, he was family. But she believes Reggie is in a better place now, playing The Beatles. 

"I know that wherever he is, he is happy and playing his music and doing what Reggie does. 

He was described by all as fun and bubbly. Most importantly, he got everyone on their feet dancing. 

"Reggie loved music, he loved people."

Police say 38-year-old Nathaniel Newton was the driver who hit Jeffreys Monday morning at the Rauhut Street and NC Hwy 62 intersection. 

Credit: Burlington Police
Nathaniel Newton

"He didn't deserve to go out like that, for sure," Talley said. 

The Soda Shop plans to still put out his piano during the summer months, hoping the community will come play as they please, as Reggie would want. 

This video shows Reggie's final moments, courtesy of Sam's Mini Mart. He's seen on surveillance after shopping at the Mini Mart Monday morning. 

WFMY News 2 cut the video so you don't see the crash, it's too graphic. 

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