Community, state honor Hertford's Davis

Long-time Hertford County Commissioner DuPont Davis was honored Oct. 10 as Roanoke-Chowan Community College's Citizen of the Year. He also received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Beverly Perdue, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the state.

Hertford County Chairman Howard Hunter III (left) and Cumberland County Vice Chairman Billy King (center) were among county commissioners who attended to honor longtime Hertford County Commissioner DuPont Davis. Both King and Davis are past presidents of the NCACC. (Photo courtesy Justin McKeithan/Roanoke-Chowan Community College)

Commissioner Davis, a past president of the NCACC, was recognized for his long devotion to R-CCC. The evening of entertainment and amusing stories about Davis doubled as a fundraiser for a scholarship that will be established in his honor.

"It was really inspiring to witness the positive impacts a dedicated county commissioner can have on their community and individual citizens through their leadership," said NCACC Executive Director David F. Thompson. "It certainly was a night to be proud of being associated with county government in general and Commissioner Davis in particular."

Nearly 300 people – including fellow commissioners from across eastern North Carolina – turned out to roast and toast Davis. Commissioners in attendance included Howard Hunter III of Hertford County, Billy King of Cumberland County, L.C. Hoggard of Bertie County and Robert Carter of Northampton County.

During the evening's festivities, Davis was roasted by friends and family alike. While the amusing anecdotes were all different, each one reflected Davis's love for Hertford County.

"DuPont and I go way back to the time when my hair was dark and he had more of it," Board of Education Member J. Wendell Hall said, according to the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. "In all seriousness, what this guy says, he means. He says it like it is.

"People call him the king, they call him the Big Tuna, but whatever they call him, he is duly respected. He is a friend. He's a father. He's a church person and he is a person who believes in Hertford County."

Hunter, who serves as chairman of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners, thanked Davis for his support.

"After I became a commissioner, DuPont took me under his wings and helped me meet people – some important, some not important and some just to watch out for," Hunter said. "I appreciate all the advice he has given me whether I wanted to hear it or not. He has more parables than the Bible."

"There is no one who cares more about the people of Hertford County than DuPont Davis," said Hertford County Economic Development Director Bill Early.

Besides his friends and colleagues, several family members also spoke during the evening. Two of his grandchildren – Daisha and Devon Davis – spoke of his love for family, while his wife of 40 years told Davis how much pride his family took in his accomplishments.

"Pine, I want to say to you tonight, you have made your children, grandchildren and family so proud of you. Congratulations on a job well done," said Earline Davis.

According to the News-Herald, more than $15,000 was received in commitments for the scholarship fund during the ceremony.