Drowning in the Chattahoochee
It was a tragedy on the Chattahoochee River. A young man who was swimming with a friend Friday evening drowned near Gold Branch Park. Devon Harvest's family said he was a good swimmer. But the water was rough and cold, and the conditions were just too much for him.
Devon's guardian, Scott Funk, said once he got through the tears and sadness, he realized God had a plan all along.
“I think God is going to use Devon's death for a worldwide impact. I really believe that,” said Funk.
Devon grew up in a rough neighborhood in Chicago. His mom died when he was just 7 years old, then his grandmother passed away. Devon came to Georgia to live with an aunt, and that is where he met Scott Funk. Funk was a high school basketball referee. He wanted to give Devon a fresh start and took him into to live with his family.
“He just needed someone to believe in him, and a place to call home,” said Funk.
Funk wants everyone to know about his relationship with Devon because he wants others who have the ability to open their homes and their hearts to someone like Devon to do so.
“People willing to open up and share their lives, their successes, to an underprivileged child makes a huge difference,” said Funk.
Funk plans to start a network that would match up families who are willing to open their homes to kids who need a solid family environment. He said sometimes that's all they need to really blossom.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, July 10th, at the gym at East Roswell Park. It will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.