Cy and his family have been a staple in the Walton County community for decades. Personally, I first met their family when I was in fifth grade as I went to school with Lee and Cy. Even then, the school's annual bonfire was held at the Nunnally's farm- and everyone in the community would attend.

As a family, they've been instrumental in shaping Monroe, Walton County, and most directly- Fair Weather Farms. From the local law enforcement community and charities to whom they give time and treasure, to the countless weddings they've hosted and parties they've thrown- the Nunnally family has played a big role in the lives of thousands of people. I'm fortunate enough to have had my life greatly impacted by them for years, and I'm just one of many that can say that.

As much as Cy avoided the spotlight of recognition, his family did as well. So many times there would be an "anonymous donation" to a charity, fundraiser, or local cause that would be the work of the Nunnally family who sought no recognition, indeed quite the opposite- complete anonymity. Cy was this same way. Countless Easter Eggs have been dropped for local churches out the side of his helicopter. Untold flights have been made with friends and family onboard with no compensation of any kind, with the exception of their company and companionship.

Cy was a special guy, molded to be such by a special family. After his untimely passing, this was personified quite literally by the turnout at the viewing and the funeral. My wife and I waited for almost three hours to hug the necks of the family that has meant so much to so many, as more than a thousand people worked through the funeral home. The same was true for the funeral. The largest church in Walton County was standing room only for the attendance of more than a thousand people who wanted to.... no needed to pay their respects to the man that had impacted their lives in ways that could never be explained.

For the days after his death, including the hours upon hours spent at the funeral home, the church, the burial site, and the many gatherings that have been hosted by his family and friends- the Nunnally family has once again been rock-solid as they helped a broken community come to terms with the loss of a true friend and Brother. We all showed up thinking we were going to help them heal... In reality, they healed us beyond measure- and we're all forever grateful for it.