Oregon town says goodbye to man who spent life helping neighbors

(CBS News) CORBETT, Ore. - On a ridge above the Columbia River, just down from heaven, CBS News found an angel on a front-end loader. As previously reported, Woody Davis, of Corbett, Oregon, was kind of a jack-of-all-trades who never made much money -- but definitely earned his wings.

A lifetime of favors repaid in man's final months

A local resident called him "the epitome of something dear." Another added that he wouldn't always ask for payment for the services he provided.

"I made a check out to him and stuck it in his pocket," another resident recalled. " You can't hand it to him."

Woody had always been so generous and so kind. He always waved to everybody.

Last year, folks in town decided to try and return at least some of that good will. They started by cutting and stacking his firewood for winter. A couple guys fixed-up his old pick-up. Someone even built him a beautiful wood box and invited the whole town to sign it.

Woody's son, Clint Davis, said he didn't know how much the community cared for his father until now. He said all the work his dad did for people has been repaid ten-fold.

"Bill Gates could not come to Corbett and buy this," Clint said. " You can't buy the love that people have poured out for Dad."

Their words and deeds were much appreciated.

Folks in Corbett, Oregon are thankful to Woody Davis for the good deeds he's done for over the last 50 years.

/ CBS News

Unfortunately, the box was pine, and the days were numbered. About a year ago, Woody was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It was clear when CBS News interviewed him in January he wouldn't see September. He was already struggling to lift and talk, but his attitude was completely unaffected.

Woody said he couldn't believe all the outpouring of help that the local people had been giving him the last few weeks.

"I feel blessed that I'm dying slowly," he said, his speech a bit slurred.

As strange at it may seem, Woody clarified that he meant his statement, adding that he was glad because people had a chance to express to him how they felt.

Too often in situations like this, death is whispered and praise is saved for the eulogy. But, thanks to the people of Corbett, Woody got to see what he meant to them before he died.

The funeral was Tuesday. They had to have the service in a different town because there wasn't a church in Corbett big enough. About 700 people showed up to pay their respects -- first in their own way -- and then in Woody's.

After the service, folks lined the streets and waved. They gave Woody that same big open-handed, wide open-hearted wave he gave them every day of his adult life.

And since Woody was never one to let a wave go unreciprocated, you can bet somewhere there's an angel tonight, with a very tired wing.

See CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman's original story on Woody Davis below:

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[Jimmy1G]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. It is stories like this that make CBS Sunday morning so enjoyable. We look forward to it every week. It just shows you that being kind to one another can be so moving. He spent his life helping others. The whole town pulled together to give one large loving send off.

[m_miiller]

It is because of stories like this that I watch CBS on Sunday mornings. Thank you so much for airing this important piece.

Woody sounds like he was a wonderful person who lived in a wonderful community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

[Nebraskan1]

I had the opportunity to see the original story when it first aired a couple of months ago. When I saw that it was going to be on CBS Sunday Morning on this past weekend, I knew that Woody was right, he wouldn't see September.

What a truly awesome & inspiring story that this was and what a truly awesome & humble man Woody must have been. I thought a lot about what he said to Steve Hartman, about dying a slow death & how fortunate he was to be afforded that...how can someone be so graceful & humbled, even in death. We should all be lucky to be half the humanitarian that Woody was...granted, he didn't go to a third world country & build a school or put in a water well, but all too often we forget about those folks right here on our own soil that need help. Woody didn't forget those folks, he made sure that they were taken care of in any way & by any means he saw fit. What a great man.

To his family; my deepest sympathies in your loss...but to be a bit selfish, I think we all lost this one...whether we knew Woody or not. God rest your soul Woody.

[ken22345]

I grew up with Woodie and moved from Corbett many years ago. Thank you so much for this wonderful story

[lesliej21]

You put this story before a profile on Alex Trebec; and that's right where it should've been. We need more stories about these kinds of heroes; not the kind who buy hardware stores as a hobby; not the kind who, I find out, have their own award show to pat themselves on the back because they donated a portion of the millions they've contributed ???). Don't you think Woody Davis would've given to charity if he had all the money celebrities "earn"? He gave the best kind of charity there is to give - he gave of his own heart; of his own kindness. THAT'S the kind of things people remember - or they should. CBS and all other news outlets should do more stories like this. Forget celebrity; it's rather boring. God Bless Woody Davis and those like him as they are the special ones.

[debwoody1970]

My mom passed away February 14, 2012. This story reminds me so much of her. Thank you, Steve, for sharing this story with rest of the world.

[Austin3759]

I could not keep a dry eye watching this (and yes, like kevin_sauer, I'm a manly man, too). The acts of Woody Davis should be an inspiration to all of us to take a step back and look at the big picture of our society. Nearly every night on the news, local and national, we see nothing but the effects of acts by selfish and non-caring people; however, Hartman brought the full effect of human compassion into clear view. I wish I would've had the opportunity to have met Woody..perhaps I would have learned a lot from him to make me a better person. Mr. Hartman, simply put, job well done.

[chapins57]

I have been watching Steve Hartman's work for quite some time. This has got to be one of the best commentaries I have ever seen him submit. Wonderful! Thank you.Woody had a wonderful life. What a gracious man.Well done CBS.

[GinnyGoodwin]

The was such a wonderful, touching story. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. We hardly ever get to see the good in this world and this is absolutely what everyone needs to see. God's blessings and peace to Woody's family, they did truly have an angel on this earth, and I know without a doubt that he is certainly soaring with our Lord and the angels in heaven now. Please keep doing these stories, get them out to the world, I am honored to have seen it. Again, thank you.

[Jaylah54200]

How much better would the world be if it had more people like Woody in it.