The founder of Nolichucky Restoration Project (NRP) and Greene County native Anthony “Toney” Davis died on Thursday after a six year battle with cancer at the age of 56. Davis lived in east Tennessee for much of his life, and he and the organization he founded have been instrumental in cleaning up the Nolichucky River and its banks after Hurricane Helene.
Davis had been battling cancer since 2020, but he did not let that stop him from making an impact by being a leader in cleaning up the Nolichucky River.
Greene County resident and member of Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts Jerry Griffin said that Davis lost his home in the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, but was always focused on serving his community in the storm’s aftermath.
Jerry Griffin
Davis worked up and down the Nolichucky River on restoration projects in several counties, including many in Greene County. He and his organization, NRP, partnered with Keep Greene Beautiful to get community members involved in cleaning up the river and planting trees along its banks. Davis helped lead several paddling expeditions to clean up the Nolichucky over the past year and a half. He went on the first scouting paddle of the river after the flood to help determine what areas needed to be cleaned up, and how the river could be cleaned up safely. The organization has cleared tons of debris from the river.
Keep Greene Beautiful Director Jessie Beth Miller said that the monumental work of cleaning up the Nolichucky River could not have been accomplished had it not been for Davis and NRP.
Jessie Beth Miller
Griffin said that Davis was a true outdoorsman that hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, completed several other trails and paddled on many rivers. He said it was those habits that he felt built the resilience that fueled Davis as he worked tirelessly for his community while personally battling cancer. Griffin said Davis was “selfless,” and should inspire others to help out in their communities.
He noted that not only did Davis and NRP help lead river cleanups in the region, but they rebuilt driveways and cleaned out houses after the flood.
Miller said that recognition was the furtherest thing from Davis’ mind when he was helping lead river cleanups, but that his love for the region and the river drove him. After all, Davis met his wife while paddling not the river over two decades ago. Miller said that she hopes Davis’ example inspires others to love and protect the Nolichucky just as he did.
Jessie Beth Miller
Davis cared for the river and its restoration into the last days of his life.
Griffin noted that when visiting him for the last time just a about a week ago, Davis was talking about places on the Nolichucky that still need to be cleaned up in Greene County. He list off places near Kinser Bridge and Brids Bridge, and Griffin assured him the cleanups would be completed.
While Davis may have passed away, his legacy will continue through the work of the NRP.
Jerry Griffin
