Vernon Leon Davis

Mr. Vernon Leon Davis, 69, of Blackshear, lost his life early Friday morning, September 27, 2024, doing what he loved, helping our community, as Hurricane Helene ravaged our city.  

Born at Ft. Bragg, NC on December 16, 1954, he lived in Ware County prior to making Pierce County his home the last 40+ years.  Leon was a 1972 graduate of Waycross High School.  He worked at Ware State Prison for several years retiring as their Fire Chief over their Inmate Team.  Fortunately for the city of Blackshear, he accepted the position of Assistant Fire Chief.  Leon loved helping his community any way he could and never let a chance to help someone slip past him.  His family meant the world to him, and he always did his best to take care them especially taking excellent care of his wife, always going above and beyond for her.  His sons and his grandsons were his pride and joy, and he so loved taking his grandsons "mudding" on his side-by-side.  Leon was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

He was a son of the late Vernon & Irma Lee Barrett Davis.  

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Shirley Rigdon Davis of Blackshear; his two sons, Scott Davis of Waycross and Kevin Davis of Blackshear; his two grandsons, Colby Ryan Davis & Hunter Davis; two sisters, Rellina (Tom) Lester and Jennifer Walker both of Culloden, GA; a brother, Carlas (Hollie) Davis of Brandon, MS; his baby girl/pet Yorkie, Bella; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives.

Funeral services for Leon will be held Friday morning, October 4, 2024, at 11:00 o'clock from the Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Stone and Chief Bucky Goble officiating. 

The family will be receiving friends Thursday evening from 6 until 9 at the church.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, PO Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. 

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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