Throughout his life, which has led him down several different paths, Sam Davis has sought one primary thing: to serve people. This calling is why he decided to run for the office of Probate Judge of Bryan County. He has held that office for seven years. He is a life-long resident of Bryan County, with roots going back for many generations. In fact, his grandfather (Henry H. Davis) served the position of Justice of the Peace, which once was the name of the present office of Probate Judge.

Davis fulfilled his call to serve people by being a Baptist minister of the gospel for 27 years. He also helped run a funeral home and was elected to coroner in 1995, which kept him on call 24 hours daily for seven days a week. In 1997, Davis was appointed as County Chaplain (He continues to hold that position.) He has also been a journalist with local newspapers.

One of the attractions Davis has for the office of Probate Judge is that it allows him to deal with people.

"I am watching life go by," Davis said. "I see children born, people marry, and deaths in the families. I have often married people and watched their children grow up. When there is a death in the family, I often preach the funeral. Being both a Probate Judge and an ordained minister, I can do all of those things."

All wills are probated through Davis’s office, as well as decisions concerning guardianships. The office also issues birth, marriage and death certificates.

In some cases, the Probate Judge also receives petitions for the hospitalization of the mentally ill. The numbers of all cases which are handled by the Probate Court has increased over the seven years Davis has been in office, but the caseload is usually around 200-250.

Davis is between the two Probate offices, one in Pembroke and the other in Richmond Hill. Both offices are now open five days a week. Davis is especially proud of the clerks who work with him.

"Marcia Wells is a Pembroke Clerk, while Carol Groover is the Chief Clerk there. Ashley Garrick is a clerk in Richmond Hill. "I can’t say enough about them. These ladies are the very best and I couldn’t exist without them."

Davis is a people person and loves to be with them. His desire still is, after 30 plus years, to help others.

"It’s all about service," he said.

Coastal Empire Christian Camp in Hiltonia will be the site of the camps to which youth will go in Coastal Community Christian Church. Registration for camps is going on now, although the camps aren’t until this summer Registration ends May 5. Camps are for youths ages kindergarten through 12th grade. A $10 registration fee is required and can be left at the church. A parent’s informational meeting will be held soon.

CCCC is at 10770 Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill. Phone: 727-4747

Youth Game Night for youth in middle and high school at Coastal Community Christian Church will be Saturday night, March 24, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will be held at the home of Beth and Mary Calkins in Tivoli Marsh. Call 727-3532 for directions.

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church has a Healing Service on Wednesday’s at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. The church also holds a Men’s Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays. You are invited to join this lively group. A Women’s Bible Study meets from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Wednesdays. All ladies are welcome.

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church is at 16491 Highway 144 East in Richmond Hill. Phone: 727-2650

Richmond Hill United Methodist Church is holding a series of luncheons during the church season of Lent. On March 21 – that's today – the speaker will be Elder Jerome S. Ruffin of Conner’s Temple. The light luncheon begins at 12:05 p.m. and the event is over by 12:50 p.m. Everyone is invited to hear the words of encouragement and share a light meal.

RHUMC is at 9050 Ford Avenue. Phone: 756-2190

Margaret Hendrix covers community news. She can be reached at 756-4787.