BLACKSHEAR, Ga. — As the Blackshear community continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, the sound of cleanup efforts echoes throughout the streets.
In the midst of this struggle, a family is grappling with the devastating loss of a man who was the heart of their community, Assistant Fire Chief Vernon "Leon" Davis. Officials said Davis died on Sept. 27 when a tree fell on his truck in Blackshear while he was working during Helene.
"We're going to miss him," said Davis' niece Nicole Smith.
Smith is trying to piece together what happened. She remembers her uncle as a beloved family man who not only was the glue to their family, but to the surrounding community.
"Everyone will tell you he was an amazing guy; he would give you the shirt off his back," Smith told First Coast News.
Davis' commitment to helping others was unexplainable, and he often put family first, especially his wife of 47 years, Shirley.
"She's making it," Smith said. "She's just staying busy. She knows how much positive he put out there he was doing and helping to the very end."
Davis' passing leaves a profound impact on those who knew him.
"It's awful, but it was so honorable!" said Smith.
The funeral service for Davis will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church Friday at 11 a.m.; the community is invited to attend.