Don Was A True Hero In The Community
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
Don Larson received the Braswell Hatcher Community Service Award in 2019.
DAVE’S WORLD
By David Howell
There was a moment of silence during Monday night’s football banquet in honor of Don Larson. In past years this would have been a time for applause for the longtime sponsor of the annual banquet. This year it was a time to remember Don’s unwavering support for the team and community.
It made me think of all the conversations about Don in the last week, so many shared how he had touched their lives. A fundraiser for a civic club or school group, a law enforcement event, church function, support for someone ailing in the community – the list was endless – and Don would always help.
As I was sitting in the fellowship hall at First Baptist Church during the football banquet, I thought about another night four years ago in that same room during the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet when Don received the Braswell Hatcher Community Service Award. The award is presented by the Chamber annually to a member of the community who has tirelessly invested in the city.
That night included an impressive list of accolades as the third generation grocer had served the community for decades in countless roles. Not surprisingly, when Don accepted the award he talked about others who impacted his life. He explained how special Water Valley is, filled with community servants. Starting with his school days, Don shared details about teachers who not only were educators, but also mentors. Numerous educators – coach Jerry Holt, Tom Edwards, Hubert House, Percy Haywood and others – who taught their students how to stand up for what was right, for what they believed in.
“They taught us how to do it in an honorable way, in a way you could be good citizens at the same time. They are the real heroes in this community, they are the ones who served this community, day after day after day,” Don told the crowd.
Don also explained how these values that were instilled into an entire community for generations played a vital role in his lengthy battle with cancer. He fought the battle with courage and dignity, and his resolve provided inspiration for others battling cancer. He credited the support from so many who helped keep him going strong. A kind word of encouragement at the store or a hand-written note – the love from the community that he invested so much was cherished.
Don Larson was a true hero in this community.
