WINTON – DuPont Davis was a big man, in more ways than one.

Davis, who served as a Hertford County Commissioner for more than 20 years until his sudden and unexpected death last month, towered in height, but it was his broad shoulders on which local citizens and others in leadership roles relied upon to carry the county’s political clout.

From his leadership on such regional entities as the Mid-East Commission to his rise in ranks inside the North Carolina County Commissioners Association, of which he once served as president, Davis left his mark locally, in eastern ‘Carolina and all the way to the state capital.

Even in death, his efforts did not go unnoticed when on Monday night during their regularly scheduled meeting, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners paid honor to a man who was respected from Manteo, to Murfreesboro, to Murphy and all points in-between.

“DuPont would want us to go on, to move forward in the business of serving our citizens,” said Commission Chairman Johnnie Ray Farmer. “We will remember him as a longtime friend and servant of this county, one that he loved so much.”

The board members – Farmer, along with Vice-Chair Curtis Freeman, Howard Hunter III and William “Bill” Mitchell – asked Davis’ widow, Earline, to come forward and accept a framed resolution in memory of her late husband. Mrs. Davis was also presented the name plate that was positioned in front of Davis’ seat on the board.

Hunter officially entered the resolution, which was approved by unanimous vote, into the minutes of the meeting by reading it aloud. Those words are as follows:

“Whereas, DuPont L. Davis has served this community in various capacities too numerous to list herein but which would include serving as a Hertford County Commissioner; and

“Whereas, the people of the County of Hertford were shocked and greatly grieved to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Commissioner DuPont L. Davis; and

“Whereas, DuPont L. Davis first took office on December 5, 1988 and during these many years has demonstrated that no mistake was made by the electors in placing him in that important position. He proved to be a capable, honest, energetic, courteous and trustworthy official, devoting himself unselfishly to the duties of his office; and

“Whereas, he justly earned the respect, admiration and high regard of all with whom he came into contact; and this community has sustained a great loss in his death;

Now, Therefore, Resolved that this Board, speaking on behalf of all our citizens, hereby extends to the members of his family this expression of sincere regret for his loss and the hope that they will be consoled by the memories of his fine life and achievements.”

Mrs. Davis, speaking on behalf of her family, said it was the unwavering support of local citizens and those across the state that helped soften the blow caused by her husband’s death.

“Thank you to this board and to all for their love and their caring during our time of bereavement,” she said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Davis, for sharing your husband for so many good years,” Farmer closed. “He will be greatly missed.”