ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A family is turning tragedy into their motivation to give back to children who love to hunt.
Jeremy Davis, the father of 6-year-old Avery Davis, who was killed in a hunting accident in November, reflected on the loss of his son and the outpouring of support from the community at the 60th Annual Grand American Coon Hunt in Orangeburg over the weekend. Davis says this year's hunt feels different.
"If he was here today, he'd be out there in the rain. He'd be out there playing in the rain and I'd be having to fuss at him so, it's different without him. I mean, he was like my shadow, he went everywhere with me," Davis said.
In the last month, local artists have created two hats with special logos for Avery that his father's business, Carolina Coon Hunters Supply LLC., has been selling to raise money for youth hunting organizations that kids like Avery benefit from, like the United Kennel Club Youth, PKC Youth, North Carolina State Youth, and the South Carolina State Youth Program.
"Just the support of everybody, from friends and hunters alike, other dealers and vendors, it just shows you the tight-knit community that we are," Davis said. "We're always looking to help people and just do for others, and unfortunately, it was our turn with Avery; you know, we suffered a loss with him, and just everybody has done so much for us, so whatever we can do to give back and just keep the circle going, because that's how it works, whatever we can do for one another because that's the type of people hunters are."
The owner of Bright Eyes Lights and the sponsor for this year's Grand American, Ray Conrad, also made a hunting light inspired by Avery.
"What a horrific accident that happened to this young man Avery and his dad; my heart breaks for their family and friends, so when this happened, I was thinking about what I could do that could help impact in some way," Conrad said. "We came up with an Avery Edition youth light that we sell, and we marketed all of them to that. We're giving a portion of the proceeds from each sale to the South Carolina Youth Fund for the South Carolina State Association. All this money for the State Association goes for the kid's youth hunts as well as provide some scholarships for the kids."
Avery was also an organ donor; according to his father, five people will benefit from these donations.
Through all this kindness from their hunting community, the Davis family ensures Avery's memory stays in everyone's hearts.
"There's a beautiful logo that's been developed for him, and I hope I see it 20 years from now being put on things, you know, 'Avery Edition,' but the little kid has left a lasting impact on a lot of people," Conrad said.
For every Avery edition item purchased, $5 will be donated to the South Carolina State Coonhunters Association youth account in Avery's memory.