One of the Objectives of the DAR is to recognize local citizens for their dedication and contributions to their community. The DAR Community Service Award recognizes worthy residents, from a variety of walks of life, for voluntary achievements in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, and citizenship endeavors, or in environmental conservation. Although this award is presented to local residents, it is a National award approved and sent from the DAR national headquarters in Washington, DC.
Talmadge Davis and Community Service Awards Chairman Lela Craft
The James Stewart Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) presented the DAR Community Service Award to Mr. Talmadge Davis on Saturday, February 11th. Mr. Davis received the award for his outstanding service to Heard County and his community. Alvin Ginn recommended Talmadge for the award. George “Buddy” Darden, Bret Mathews, Judge Quillian Baldwin, Ellen Nowicki, and Alvin Ginn wrote letters of recommendation for Talmadge. The Georgia State Society NSDAR and the National Society DAR both approved the application for Talmadge to receive the award.
Members of the James Stewart Chapter gathered with friends and family in the conference room of the Heard County Library to present the award to Talmadge. The Chapter Regent welcomed everyone and explained the meaning of the DAR Community Service Award. She then introduced the chairman of the local James Stewart Chapter DAR Community Service Awards Committee, who presented the certificate and pinned the Community Service Award medal on Talmadge while members and visitors watched. Talmadge’s wife, Jackie, had kept the award a secret and managed to get him to the library without his knowing the reason.
Talmadge Davis, a veteran of the United States Army, has served the Heard County Community for decades. He served as Clerk of the Superior Court of Heard County for 20 years, earning a reputation for integrity, competence, and dedicated public service. Following that, he served as President of the Bank of Heard County for 16 years, where he was held in high esteem by both his employees and the citizens of Franklin who banked there.
During his lifetime, he has served and continues to serve his county and community in many ways. He served as Chairman of the Water Authority and was instrumental in bringing additional infrastructure and industry to Heard County. His leadership on the Heard County Development Authority helped bring new industry to the county. He has served on the Library Board, as West Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Director, and Community Liaison for The Tenaska Power Plant since it first came to Heard County. No matter where he served, or what title he held, Talmadge Davis gave his all to the job and produced results that bettered the community.
Talmadge has been a leader in the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, having held virtually every office in the church while sharing his talents and resources with the other members of the congregation and participating in many community outreach programs. Some of the results of his work include helping the 4-H program receive money for a van to transport 4-hers to events locally and statewide and helping a family get a lift for their vehicle to aid them in transporting their handicapped child. Where ever Talmadge saw a need, he always stepped in to help.
Talmadge Davis is a man who commands the respect of his peers simply by being himself. He is always there for anyone in the community who needs him for advice, support, help, or just friendship. The James Stewart Chapter of Franklin Ga. is proud to add Mr. Talmadge Davis to our list of Community Service Award winners.