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Anthony “Toney” Davis, age 56, passed away on June 18, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. For more than six years, Toney faced his illness with remarkable strength and determination, living far beyond expectations. While his body ultimately succumbed to the disease, his spirit endures in the hearts of his family and friends, lives he touched and the community he loved so deeply.

Toney was born on August 18, 1969, in Greeneville, Tennessee, to the late Stoney Davis and Jacqueline Marshall. He spent most of his upbringing in Washington County, Tennessee, with periods in Greene and Unicoi Counties, and briefly in Pinellas County, Florida. No matter where life took him, Toney remained deeply connected to the Nolichucky River and the mountains of East Tennessee and beyond. A lifelong outdoorsman he earned the trail name Willie Longshadow. As a hiker he completed the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Pinhoti Trail, and portions of the Continental Divide Trail. As a paddler he ran the Nolichucky, the Gauley, the Colorado, and numerous other rivers. To say he was an outdoorsman is an understatement, his experiences in the wild shaped his character and spirit.

A standout athlete at David Crockett High School, Toney went on to serve his country in the United States Navy shortly after graduation. Following his military service, he worked as a skilled carpenter in Virginia and West Virginia before returning home to East Tennessee, where he established his own business. Then, driven by a lifelong desire to care for others, Toney later pursued a career in healthcare, earning his nursing degree from Milligan University and serving as a dedicated emergency room nurse.

Toney’s life was defined by service. In addition to his work in emergency medicine, he volunteered as a Scout leader and gave generously of his time to support local organizations and those in need. Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, he continued caring for others as long as possible, while also organizing awareness and fundraising efforts to aid in the fight against the disease.

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to Southern Appalachia, destroying Toney’s home. Yet even as floodwaters overtook his own property, he was out helping neighbors. In the aftermath, while continuing his cancer treatments, Toney resolved not to dwell in loss but to make a difference.

Within a month, he founded the Nolichucky Restoration Project (NRP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the Nolichucky watershed and surrounding communities. Demonstrating extraordinary resilience, Toney led the effort while undergoing chemotherapy organizing volunteers, writing grant proposals, engaging donors, and personally helping clear debris, often against medical advice. Under his leadership, the NRP removed tons of debris, repaired homes, and supported the planting of thousands of trees, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

Toney’s legacy is one of perseverance, compassion, and selfless service. He showed what is possible when determination meets purpose, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Anna Palmer; his daughter, Cassandra Davis; stepdaughter Shannon Kotlarsz; stepson Tyler Kotlarsz; and grandchildren Xander, Irelynn, and Lucas. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Davis, and sister-in-law Kelly Martin Davis; his niece, Klara; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of dear friends.

Among those closest to him were many lifelong friends and supporters, including Coach Mac and family, John John, Dwayne and Michelle, John, Bobby and Briannia, Matt, and countless others whose lives were enriched by his friendship. Though too many to name individually, all were deeply valued and loved by Toney.

Anthony “Toney” Davis will be remembered as a man who never stopped giving to his family, his community, and to causes larger than himself. His legacy lives on in the lives he lifted and the land he helped restore.

Visitation will be held at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home beginning at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. This will be directly followed by a Service at 6:00 pm. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Nolichucky Restoration Project to continue Toney’s mission of restoring the Nolichucky River nolichuckyrestorationproject@gmail.com