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$61K raised for dying Brownstown veteran

Tribune-Democrat - 10/2/2018

Oct. 02--A fundraiser's total has doubled again for a terminally ill Brownstown man.

As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundme page for Navy veteran Willie Davis, 66, had reached $61,000 -- double its take from late last week.

People from across the nation have been donating money -- anywhere from $5 to $1,000 -- to support Davis since his story gained widespread attention. He had been selling his remaining belongings at a garage sale to cover his out-of-state funeral costs.

Two Johnstown-area men, David Dunkleberger and Ed Sheets, set up the GoFundMe page after meeting Davis at his yard sale, and said they've far exceeded their initial goal for covering his costs.

Davis' sister, Ruby, is making his arrangements, and efforts are being sorted out to create a legacy fund in Davis' name to support future veterans in need, Dunkelberger has told The Tribune-Democrat.

David served in the Navy from 1970 to 1976.

As of Monday, Davis' page, gofundme.com/helpwillied, shows more than 1,900 people have donated to his cause since Aug. 5.

"It is my desire to use the remaining (funds) to help other veterans in need of funeral financial assistance," Davis posted on his page over the weekend.

David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at (814) 532-5053. Follow him on Twitter @TDDavidHurst and Instagram @TDDavidHurst.

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