Gary "Pee Wee" Davis, a legally-blind community activist who was challenging state Rep. Keisha Waites for the redrawn House District 60 seat, has died at age 36. Waites, who attended the funeral, said he died late last month.

"He was someone that was very well-loved and respected," Waites said. "We really did lose somebody amazing."

Atlanta Progressive News reported that he died of kidney failure. There are still three challengers in the race: William Fisher, Antonio Lewis and LaTrenka Riley.

About the Author

Featured

Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC