Powerful send off in memory of David and Dawn Head

Hundreds lined the streets last Thursday in memory of David and Dawn Head who were tragically killed in a 5-vehicle accident in Mountain City, Ga. on May 23.

Friends, family, and colleagues, including law enforcement from departments and agencies throughout the southeast, attended a funeral service for David and Dawn at the Scaly Mountain Fire Department on May 28.

The funeral procession was escorted by law enforcement as it made its way from Franklin High School to the Scaly Mountain Fire Department and took over an hour to pass by mourners showing support along the route.

David was a Corporal in the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and his father, Elis, said his son always wanted to be in law enforcement.

“He always wanted to be an officer of the law,” said Elis. “He worked hard at it, he loved it, and he loved serving the people. Plus, he had no use for criminals.”

MCSO Sheriff Robert Holland said some emotional words about David’s sense of humor and his straightforward approach to solving problems.

“I love my people, I love my officers, and David was loved by us,” said Holland. “He’s the only man that’s ever kissed me. That’s the kind of jokester he was. And he was never afraid to complain to me. Whenever he was mad and called me up, he would always end the conversation with ‘I love you man.’”

Holland addressed David and Dawn’s four children and said their parents had high expectations for all of them.

“All four of you need to understand, you are loved more than anything,” said Holland. “They are proud of all of you, they expected a lot from you, and they still do. When you go off to college, make your family proud.”

Dawn’s mother, Nancy Lata, said Dawn was excited that Nancy, Dawn, and Dawn’s daughters Sidney and Erin, were all going to be attending college at the same time.

“She liked too run and she loved spending time with her daughters,” said Nancy. “And she was excited all of us were going to school at the same time, she really liked that idea. She was so much fun to spend time with.”

Dawn’s daughter Sidney spoke at the funeral and said her mother was her hero.

“She taught me how to love,” said Sidney. “My mom was there to support me through every struggle in my life. When she hugged me, whatever was the trouble just went away.”

Sidney added that although David and Dawn are gone, they will always be present in spirit.

“My mom and David are here with me,” said Sidney. “No matter what’s going n in life they are here supporting us making us better people. No matter where I am in life, my mom and David are never truly gone.”

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to:

David and Dawn Head Children’s Education Fund c/o United Community Bank 257 East Main Street Franklin, NC 28734

Donations can also be made to the same account by going to the Macon County Sheriffs Facebook Page and GOFundMe link HERE.

Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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Obituaries

David Franklin Head

On May 23, 2020, a beautiful spring day, just perfect for enjoying a motorcycle ride, David Franklin Head, along with his wife, Dawn, tragically lost his life and entered into his heavenly home.

David was joined in death by his wife, Dawn Head; and preceded by his paternal grandparents, JD and Annie Dryman Head; and his maternal grandparents, Ben and Polly Wax.
David is survived by his children, Jeslyn Kate Head and John David “JD” Head; his parents, Ellis Franklin Head (Gail) and Ann Wax; his sisters, Deborah Head Holt (Steve) and Polly Deann “DeDe” Head; and his niece and nephew, Hannah Holt and Jacob Holt.

David’s great love for his children, Jeslyn and “JD”, was apparent to anyone who knew David. He was their biggest fan and most ardent and loudest supporter. They were truly his pride and joy.

Born on December 11, 1973, David followed in the footsteps of his Uncle Ray by serving his country in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Blue Ridge Masonic Lodge 435 Af & AM. His desire to help others and serve his fellow man resulted in a position with the Macon County Sheriff’s Department where he held the rank of Corporal. His work was very important to him, and his coworkers became like family.

David enjoyed the great outdoors and all that came with it, including hunting and motorcycle riding. He loved big. He was a proud dad, a loyal friend, a genuine person, a jokester, and a storyteller. He eagerly offered a helping hand to those in need. He had a way of lighting up a room with his contagious laugh. He never left without saying “I love you” and showing that was true with one of his big hugs.

A Celebration of Life was be held on Thursday, May 28 at the Scaly Mountain Fire Department. Reverend Oliver Rice officiated with eulogies given by Sheriff Robert Holland, Nancy Lata, and David Sanborn.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to:

David and Dawn Head Children’s Education Fund c/o United Community Bank 257 East Main Street Franklin, NC 28734

Donations can also be made to the same account by going to the Macon County Sheriffs Facebook Page and GOFundMe link HERE.

Dawn Michelle Head

Dawn Michelle Head was born on January 21, 1970, to John E. Rabun and Nancy Lynn Shirey Lata.

Dawn was an avid runner, participating for more than twenty years in the world’s largest 10K race—The Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia.

A member of the Methodist faith, Dawn was personable, friendly, and big-hearted. Her favorite Bible verse from I Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud,” describes her and her desire to always be compassionate and gracious. Dawn wanted people to know she was available when anyone needed love and care.

Dawn enjoyed being a part of community events. She loved being out and about with people enough to be called a social butterfly. Her favorite event was Cashiers Chocolate Cook-Off, which she won several times. Her kindness also extended to animals, and she rescued an ugly, gnarly-looking dog named Alex that she absolutely adored.

Dawn’s great love for her girls was evident. They brought her so much joy and pleasure. She always wanted to be known as a “community mom” and kept out the welcome mat for all of their friends. She enjoyed being a part of their lives.

When you hear “I Hope You Dance” by Leann Womack or “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” by John Mayer, two of Dawn’s favorite songs, remember her and picture her dancing the night away in heavenly places.

Dawn and her husband, David F. Head, both died tragically on May 23, 2020. She is survived by her parents and her daughters, Sidney H. Sanborn and Erin Charlie Sanborn. She was predeceased by her step-father, Pete Lata.

A Celebration of Life was be held on Thursday, May 28 at the Scaly Mountain Fire Department. Reverend Oliver Rice officiated with eulogies given by Sheriff Robert Holland, Nancy Lata, and David Sanborn.

In lieu of flowers, celebration gifts may be made to:

David and Dawn Head Children’s Education Fund c/o United Community Bank, 257 East Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734

Donations can also be made to the same account by going to the Macon County Sheriffs Facebook Page and GOFundMe link HERE.