Lynchburg mourns tragic loss of beloved ‘gentle giant’

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — A Lynchburg family is mourning the loss of one of their loved ones.

Police said Anthony Dwight Davis was shot earlier this month.

On Sunday, his loved ones gathered to celebrate his life.

“If you looked up gentle giant in the dictionary, you would see that guy in the picture there,” said the Rev. Howard White.

Relatives said Anthony was caring, kind and funny, always smiling and helping everyone.

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“He was a provider, a protector and last but not least, he was a real comedian. “He may not have had all the answers, but the ones he did have and the advice he gave meant more than anything,” his daughter said, Markayla Nowlin said.

He was a light in so many people’s lives.

Now his close-knit family is trying to learn to live with the loss of that light.

“May you find strength in the love that surrounds you. And in the memories you cherish, may you find peace,” Anthony’s colleague Kylie Jones told the family.

Anthony’s family said he lived faithfully and was truly a man of God.

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“He had the character of Christ. One thing can be said: You are saved – but are you acting like your saved one?’” said Pastor Tyrone Garland.

Now his loved ones have to pick up the pieces.

“Because of this stupidity, your children and grandchildren will never grow up,” Reverend White said.

The family said it won’t be easy to come to terms with his death, but his loved ones promise to treasure their memories of him and keep his legacy of love and light alive.