Kenly firefighters mourn loss of one of their own

John Morris Davis, Jr., 45, suffered a heart attack Saturday evening after responding to a crash involving an overturned vehicle on Princeton Kenly Road. According to officials, Davis experienced chest pains and was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Assistant Fire Chief Tim Little said Davis joined the department in 2003, moved away for a while, and recently came back as a volunteer firefighter. Little said Davis was so dedicated to service that he would come in to help on days he wasn't expected.

"He just loved doing the job and helping people in the community and anything he was asked to do, he did it without complaint and with love for everybody in the fire department and throughout this community," Little said.

Various fire departments from across the state are filling in so that Kenly firefighters can have the time to grieve.

"There is a brotherhood in the fire service, it doesn't matter whether you are close or far," said Eddie Newcomb, a firefighter with the Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department. "There is a need, so we felt it was important to come out."

Kenly Funeral Home Manager Brantley Gurley said funeral expenses are covered.

"Anyone who would sacrifice their life in the line of duty, such as a firefighter, police, or military, we feel like it is the least we can do," he said.

Kenly resident Eddie Williams said while he did not know Davis personally, he wanted to pay his respects.

"I just wanted to come up to show them my appreciation and that I am sorry for their loss," Williams said.

Visitation for Davis is scheduled for Wednesday at the Kenly Fire Department from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at the Kenly Funeral Home.

Davis is survived by his wife and three children, brother and half-brother.