A Jemison man who was listed in critical condition after his vehicle collided with a train Tuesday morning near U.S. Highway 31 passed away Thursday morning.

Charles Conrad Armbrust III, 45, known to many people in the community as “Buster” passed away at UAB Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

“He loved everyone and everyone loved him,” Chilton County Commission Chairman Allen Caton said. “He had such a kind heart. He just enjoyed people.”

Caton’s mother, Christine Caton, was Armbrust’s legal guardian and raised him since he was 16 years old.

“He was like a little brother to me,” Caton said. “It didn’t matter when I would see him, he would hug me. You would see him driving down the road, and he would be waving at you. He is going to be missed. Everyone knows him and everyone loved him.”

Caton described Armbrust as a very giving person often giving away items such as electronics or games to others.

“Buster was the type of guy that if you said you liked something of his, he would just give it to you,” Caton said. “You could tell him you like his television or something, and he would just let you have it.”

Armbrust was traveling on Highway 31 shortly after 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and attempted to cross the railroad tracks near the Guy Street crossing, according to Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer.

Fulmer said the CSX train was traveling south when it collided with Armbrust’s 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Armbrust was the only occupant in the vehicle.

Armbrust was airlifted from the scene to UAB Hospital.

Caton said Armbrust was legally deaf and would spend money on different electronics to be able to communicate with others who had hearing loss.

“I think a lot of people thought because Buster was deaf and couldn’t communicate with others that he wasn’t very smart,” Caton said. “He was very smart. He was not only smart but loving, and a lot of people in this community are going to truly miss him.”