Vernon Leon Davis was born on December 16,1954, at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. The son of the late Vernon and Irma Lee Barrett Davis, he graduated from Waycross High School in 1972.

Leon worked at Ware State Prison for many years, retiring as their fire chief over their inmate team. Through his work, he touched many lives and was an inspiration, not only to his team, but to his colleagues as well.

One particular inmate admired and respected Leon for the truly good man he was, so much so that this inmate completely turned his life around as he set out to follow in Leon’s footsteps. This former inmate became a firefighter, setting out to achieve any and every certification there was. He was soon recognized for his outstanding performance, receiving an achievement plaque. He traveled back home and presented Leon with this plaque, telling Leon it was HIS reward to have. He would not have received it without the guidance, encouragement, and example that Leon led his team with.

Fortunately for the city of Blackshear, Leon accepted the position as assistant fire chief after volunteering for many, many years. Leon went on to become a first responder. He truly loved helping his community and being a part of it. He never let a chance to help someone go by.

His family meant the world to him, and he always did his best to take care of them, especially taking care of his wife of 47 years, Shirley. He often referred to her as his bride, always going above and beyond for her.

His sons and his grandsons were his pride and joy. He took every opportunity to go “mudding” with his grandsons on his side-by-side. His sons, Scott and Kevin, and his grandsons, Ryan and Hunter, admired and looked up to Leon.

Leon was easily respected and loved. Most in our community knew Leon, and to know him was to love him. He never ceased to honk his horn and wave and smile like it made his day to see you. Leon had a natural, God-given gift for making everyone feel special and loved.

Leon left this world bravely doing what he loved, serving his community during Hurricane Helene. His loss was a tragedy for our entire small town of Blackshear. His presence is missed every single day. Our town has been changed forever, as we forever hold Leon in our hearts as OUR very own HERO!