Davis pictured with his wife, Geri. (Facebook)
Noted Georgia-based sculptor Andy Davis has died after succumbing to injuries he suffered in a motorcycle crash on July 11. His passing was announced on July 13, his family had already admitted that his wounds were so severe that he was “no longer there.” Davis was 53 years old.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Man Accused of Hitting Davis’ Motorcycle Had Weed in His Car, According to Cops
JUST IN: Mugshot of Corey Sease charged with DUI in crash that killed MLK sculptor, Andy Davis. @FOX5Atlanta http://t.co/8g9uIxJfQe
Officials say Davis was killed by a suspected drunk driver, Corey Ashton Sense, in McDonough, Georgia, reports the Henry Herald. In a statement released on Davis’ official Facebook page 24 hours after the crash, his family said:
One thing that we know, is that he would want everyone to think on his life works, his wild, loving Heart, and his Heroism that was so apparent in his barefooted steps. We love you, and thank you for your support and love.
NBC Atlanta reports that Davis was hit from behind as he rode his motorcycle along the Jodeco Road overpass in Henry County. Cease has been charged with a DUI, following too closely and marijuana possession. The 20-year-old was released from jail on a $2,951 bond. The incident is being investigated by the Georgia State Patrol.
2. Davis Was Due to Unveil a Statue of Martin Luther King in 2016
(Getty)
Earlier in 2015, Davis had been commissioned by Gov. Nathan Deal to create a statue of Martin Luther King for Georgia’s state capitol. The Henry County Times reported at the time of his commissioning that the King family had been involved in selecting Davis for the role. The monument was scheduled to be unveiled on January 15, 2016, King’s next birthday.
3. He Created a Revolving Musical Statue of Ray Charles
(Getty)
His most notable works were his statues of Ray Charles and Patrick Henry. One reviewer of the Charles’ statue said:
Very cute, musical themed park, with musical notes and piano keys in the walkways. The music of Ray Charles is playing from the sculpture as well.
The memorial to Ray Charles is in the singer’s hometown of Albany, Georgia. According to Davis’ official website, in the Spring of 2002, he was commissioned to create monument to Georgia cops who were killed in the line of duty as well as a statue to commemorate 9/11. That statue was unveiled on September 11, 2002.
4. Davis Walked His Daughter Down the Aisle in May 2014
In May 2014, Davis uploaded a photo to Facebook of him walking his daughter down the aisle. (Facebook)
He’s survived by his wife, Geri, and the couple’s two children. According to his Facebook page, Davis was a native of Ocala, Florida, but lived in McDonough, Georgia. He had a studio and gallery in the area which was never open to the public, only by appointment. On his official website, it says that Davis sculpting career began when he made full scale statues of classic American cars.
5. There’s an Outpouring of Emotion About Davis on Twitter
I’m deeply saddened by the death of Andy Davis. This tragedy is not only a loss for his family, but for the Henry Co community & our state.
Davis is being mourned on Twitter.
This makes me legitimately sad…we lost a great local talent last night. RIP #AndyDavis t.co/8oGPeDQNws
Georgia sculptor Andy Davis RIP.
many prayers for the young children’s family and Andy Davis’ family! such a sad past couple of days for Henry County.
My heart goes out to Andy Davis’ family. “God is close to the broken-hearted and comforts those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18