WOODVILLE — Wilkinson County businessman Fred H. Netterville, owner of the county’s largest private employer, died Tuesday of injuries he sustained in a horseback riding accident.

Netterville, 69, was owner of Fred Netterville Lumber Co., a large, productive hardwood lumber mill.

Netterville was injured around 5:30 p.m. Monday as he was attempting to mount a new horse he had bought three days earlier. The 2-year-old animal bolted with Netterville holding on with just one foot in the stirrup. He fell seconds later and hit his head on the ground. Netterville’s son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Allison Netterville, were with him at the time of the accident and administered CPR and called for medical assistance. Netterville was rushed to Natchez Regional Medical Center and then to University Medical Center in Jackson, where he died at about 8 a.m. Tuesday of severe head trauma.

Netterville, a Wilkinson County native, was active in church and civic circles. He was a generous supporter of all needy causes.

Netterville was a lifelong member of Corinth Church of Christ, where he served many years as an adult Sunday school teacher. He was a founding board member of Wilkinson County Christian Academy.

Netterville is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren. Berryhill Funeral Home in Woodville is in charge of arrangements.