CORDELE — Over the years, Roe Davis has provided critical leadership for the Crisp County community hospital governing board for 40 years, where he served as chairman for 27 years.

He nurtured and defined the “value” of service among board members and insisted on a disciplined and fair approach to both business and clinical care.

Through his visionary leadership and drive to succeed, Crisp Regional has grown to become the area’s largest employer, becoming a regional medical facility known to attract quality physicians, possess the latest medical technology, and to maintain award winning medical facilities.  Davis’ work dramatically improved access to health care and enhances the lives of many in the region who look to Crisp Regional for care.

It is unusual for a volunteer community board member to serve for 40 years in a leadership role that can be demanding of his time.  However, it has been his drive to care for the Crisp Community that singles him out as a leader.  Over the years, he has never let a barrier or situational defeat keep him from achieving his vision for always improving Crisp Regional.  With is natural ability to motivate people, he has challenged others to reach higher, drive harder, and go further.   His leadership and benevolent service is an important part of our community culture of cooperation, volunteerism, and self-improvement.  Roe was a dedicated board member always willing to voice his opinions and fight for people he represented.  He was steadfast in his efforts and a wonderful debater inside the boardroom.  He was dedicated to the board process and always brought a historical perspective to the discussion.

Roe had many accomplishments during his tenure as a committed Board Member and Chairman at Crisp Regional.  One of his greatest accomplishments was the passing of the SPLOST to support the new hospital which led to construction of the new hospital in 1991.

Some of his other significant accomplishments during his years of service include the Purchase of Care South, Crisp Regional Nursing and Rehab, the Dialysis Center, Crisp Regional Hospital Hospice, Cordele Health, and Blackshear Villa.  During his time, he also influenced the decision to build the ICU and expand the ER.