CORBETT, OR (KPTV) -
It's another glorious spring in the Columbia River Gorge town of Corbett, but down a certain drive you'll find a man who may be experiencing his final spring.
Woody Davis, who has ALS, is dying, and he knows it. The disease has choked his speech and made him tired. He now uses a child's sketch pad to communicate.
"I'm a realist," he wrote.
Davis' son said his father's simple but giving life affected many in the small town.
"I remember when it would snow hard, he'd get out in his International pickup and drive around and look for people that were stuck," said Clint Davis. "It made him feel good to pull people out of the snow."
That pickup will soon be used to transport Woody Davis to his final resting place.
"This is going to transport his coffin to and from the service," said Clint Davis, standing near the truck.
Woody Davis plans to invite the entire town to line the streets following the funeral.
The coffin was handmade by a family member. Residents of Corbett wrote messages, well wishes and memories on it. Clint Davis admits, at first, not everyone liked the idea of being so prepared.
"There's been a few people who were kind of shocked, but dad's peace about death has changed a lot of that fear that people have," he said.
As for Clint Davis and the rest of the family, they're waiting until the funeral service to sign the coffin, and they plan to sign the inside of it.
By taking a glimpse at the messages, it's easy to see how much the community cares for Woody Davis, and it also becomes clear that his life has left an indelible mark on many people.
"Uncle Woody, you were the first person to buy me a Barbie with bendable knees. I will never forget you. Hug my dad for me in heaven," said one message from a cousin.
The Davis family agrees Woody has brought the Corbett community closer together.
Woody Davis wouldn't change anything about his life, and he's moving forward without any fear.
"He's looking forward to the upgrade where he can trade in this old body," said Clint Davis.
Woody Davis did have one message to the people of Corbett.
"I love you all, and Jesus does too," he wrote, with a smile and a thumbs up.
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