Earl Clayton Davis, Sr.

Earl Clayton Davis, Sr., of Rose Hill, NC left his earthly life on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

He was born November 16, 1930, in Duplin County. He was the son of Ruffin Clayton and Myrtie Boyette Davis. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his son, Mark Davis and his great grandson, Cohen Davis. Surviving to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 66 years, Joy Johnson Davis, of the home and brother Ray Davis (Sylvia) of Fayetteville, daughterIla Davis of Warsaw, daughter Jackie Herring (Paul) of Rose Hill, son Clayton Davis (Daye) of Wallace, daughter-in-law Terri Davis of Magnolia, son Bizzell Davis (Morgan) of Warsaw, son Marvin Davis of Warsaw. He is also survived by grandchildren – Stephanie Herring (Bryan), Mica Eanes, Jordan Eanes, Ann Marie Tullock (Justin), Owen Davis (Alyssa), Ruffin Davis (Brooke), Clay Davis (Chelsea), Blair Davis (Ty), Decatur Davis (Taylor), Luke Davis, Harley Wilson, Paisley Davis, and Bizzell Davis, Jr, great grandchildren – Aiden Davis, Ezra Davis, Logan Weeks, Dawson Weeks, Waylon Davis, Holden Davis, Eli Davis, Molly Davis, and numerous extended family and friends that loved him.

Affectionately referred to as “Papa Earl,” he was a hard-workingand loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He did not know what it was like to take a day off from work. He never met a stranger and would go to great lengths to help a family member or friend. To know him was to love him, and he counted everyone his friend. His favorite past time was spending time with his family. Heinstilled the value of a hard day’s work, honesty, and a sense of humor in his family. He was a lifelong farmer and leaves behinda wealth of knowledge.

He was genuinely content with the simple things in life. He was known to be very resourceful, utilizing whatever tools were available. He was a devoted husband and loved his wife Joy very much. He had infinite patience, never had a cross word with anyone, and was never in a hurry.

Among his many accomplishments, Earl became a Mason in 1952. He served many roles, including Past Master of Warsaw Lodge #677 and enjoyed cooking sausage with the lodge for the annual Veteran’s Day Parade Breakfast. He was proud to see his brother, son, and grandson follow his footsteps and serve in thelodge. He was a Shriner and a member of the Scottish Rite. Earl served in the National Guard for nine years and was a Master Sergeant at age 22.

He will surely be missed by so many people, but his love and legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2021, at the Community Funeral Home in Warsaw, NC. The funeral ceremony will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Rose Hill Baptist Church. Pastor Steve Le Roux will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rose Hill Baptist Church or the Masonic Home for Children at 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.

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