MARTINSVILLE MONDAYS:
Tony C. Davis was a son, brother, husband, and, most importantly, my amazing father. But beyond those roles, he was also a dedicated employee of Martinsville Public Works for 27 years. He worked Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but when he came home, he left his city job behind. To me, he was simply “Dad.” Sure, I knew him as a hardworking, devoted provider—someone whose job helped keep the city running—but beyond that, I knew little about "Tony Davis," the city worker. When he walked through our front door, he took off that hat and put on his "Dad" hat.
So, who was he outside of our home? To find out, I did some digging—researching, reaching out to past friends and coworkers. I even walked the same halls he once did at the Martinsville City Public Works with his former supervisor and beloved friend, Jason Biggs, to document tributes scattered around the plant of the City Worker of 27 years, Tony C. Davis, and the man I called Dad. This experience felt almost like a museum for my father. Little pieces of what he meant to his coworkers were highlighted throughout the building. As soon as you walk into the main office doors, you're greeted with a large plaque and a photo in remembrance of Tony.
Plague placed at the entrance of Public Works Main Office, remembering Tony Davis
Born on April 4, 1954, in North Carolina, Tony moved with his family to Martinsville when he was just eight years old. While his birth certificate didn’t say "Martinsville, VA," he spent most of his life here, from his childhood on Maple Street to his years working for the City of Martinsville. He was, without a doubt, a pillar of this community.
Tony took on the responsibility of fatherhood long before I was even thought of, entering into my sister's life when she was 6 years old. In 1983, Pat and Tony had their first child together, and then their final one in 1987. The man I knew as Dad was a provider, and his long list of odd jobs before working with the City proved it. He did whatever was needed to ensure his family had what they needed—sometimes working two or three jobs at a time. He did everything from mowing lawns and working at the Martinsville Racetrack to supervising the detailing department at Bob White's Dealership. Not only was Tony a provider, but anyone who knew him knew that he put everyone before himself. When winter storms covered the town in snow, making travel nearly impossible, he would walk miles to the store to make sure his family had food on the table.
On May 14th, 1990, Tony got an offer to work as a full-time public worker for the City of Martinsville in the sewer and water department. His work ethic was a testament to what mattered most to him: providing for his family. He often took on extra responsibilities, including being on call for the city. Being on call for the city was literally a 24-hour job for an entire week. You were bound to a phone or pager, and when it rang—no matter what time of day or what you were doing—you answered and went to work.
City truck with a John Deer logo paying remembrance to Tony Davis
Hard hat and rain jacket of Tony's that is hung in one of the City Public Work buildings
Tony took on many roles throughout his career with the city, but the one that gave him the most fulfillment was his role as a mower operator.To some, that might not sound like a significant job, but imagine if the mowing didn’t get done. The city’s landscapes would lose their clean, cared-for look. But thanks to Tony, they never did. Instead, he was the one who stood out—riding his tractor, keeping the city looking its best. You could always tell it was him. If you drove by and glanced in your rearview mirror, you'd see his familiar friendly wave.
There are stories Jason shared of him riding the mower at extreme angles just to ensure every patch of grass was cut to perfection—something I had seen him do for years in our own backyard on a riding mower.
Tony's shirt that hangs along with a Curious George Monkey that he use to have on his City Mower.
But my dad wasn’t all work and no play. He had a playful spirit, loved pulling pranks, and brought that same energy into his workplace. Jason remembers him for his smile and sense of humor. "Tony always brought laughter into the room," Jason said. "There was never a dull moment when he was around. Me hiding in the bed of his truck to scare him is just one of many memories I have of my buddy Tony." At the same time, Tony enjoyed his peace. Yard work was his escape, often keeping him outside from morning until night. He took pride in his work, and the hours he put in on the weekends showed. That’s probably what made his job on the tractor so rewarding for him—he could work, listen to music, do his own thing, and end the day with visible results.
He understood that his job wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary for the city, and he took pride in doing it well. "You could always count on him to get the job done because he took pride in his work," Jason Biggs said. While he wasn’t one for vacations, this was his daily escape—something he truly loved. And based on his dedication, I believe he found purpose in it and peace when he rode through town on his city mower.
Tony dedicated 27 years of his life to this city—building friendships and creating an important legacy that has not yet been forgotten. He has left an everlasting impact on the community and so many people within it. To know Tony Davis meant that you knew a friend—a kind, giant of a man who was humble, simple, and loving. His hands may have been calloused from hard work, but his heart was soft. "He was loyal. When Tony was your friend, he was your friend through and through and would give you the shirt off his back," said Wayne Davis, family member and coworker. Yeah...that's my dad. He was a good man, and he cared for you before he cared for himself. He put so much before himself as a person, and I forever admire him for his devotion to be the man he was.
Jason Biggs holding a photo of Tony Davis next to a City Truck that pays remembrance to him
On September 26th, 2017, Tony left this world during an accident while working for the City for 27 years. But what he left behind are memories scattered through the halls of that building he clocked into every morning, lessons he taught his children, and love he gave his wife, family, and friends. Tony left an imprint on this community that is felt every day, and his legacy is one of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the City of Martinsville. His contributions continue to be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. That was evident on October 2nd, 2017, during his funeral, as people poured into Bassett Funeral Home. The crowd was so large that people stood lined up outside the doors. City trucks filled the roads that day, honoring Tony Davis. I always knew what my father meant to me, but I had no idea of his true impact until that moment. Even after eight years, I still hear new stories about my dad from many people. They always have something amazing to share about the man they knew—the man with a heart of gold.
Yeah, that’s my dad.
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