George (G.C.) Davis

GARNER - George Cleophas (G.C.) Davis of Garner, NC passed away on August 19, 2011 at Windsor Point Retirement Community in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Part of the Greatest Generation, George experienced first-hand the growth of North Carolina and America from a rural society to the modern world. George was born near Warsaw, NC in Duplin County and spent his early childhood working the family farms with his brothers and sisters. One of his first jobs outside of the farm was as a school bus driver for Clinton, NC schools. He soon graduated from Clinton High School in 1941 and began to make his way in the world in small town America. On the afternoon of his 20th birthday, December 7, 1941, George learned that America was headed to war and he left the comfort of Clinton, NC to enlist in the U.S. Navy, in 1942. He served four years overseas in the Navy, participating in major operations in North Africa, Europe, and the South Pacific. After the conclusion of War World II, George returned to Clinton to meet and marry the love of his life, Marie McLamb Davis. They were married on May 15, 1947 and soon moved to Raleigh, NC. Georges career in Raleigh again lead him to serve the U.S. Government, this time as a civil servant first for the U.S. Army Reserve Station and later at the U.S. Army Regional Recruitment Command. George retired from his position in 1985 after more than 40 years of service to the U.S. Federal government. He spent his retirement tending his garden and enjoying the company of family and friends. George was also active in church life throughout his life. He and Marie were early members of Longview Baptist Church in Raleigh and later Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner, NC. George served in a variety of roles in these churches for more than 60 years including Sunday School teacher, deacon, and Baptist Men. Perhaps Georges greatest ministry in the church was through the church choir where he was a regular member for many years. George participated in more than 60 Christmas cantatas, numerous Easter cantatas, and a multitude of musical programs. George is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marie McLamb Davis; three sons and their wives, George Gary and Joanne Davis of Raleigh, Ronnie and Diana Davis of Garner, and Lynn and Beverly Davis of Holly Springs; three grandchildren Kevin Davis of Raleigh, Jessica Davis of Raleigh, and Christopher Davis of Holly Springs, one great grandson, Jackson, and one brother, Willis Davis of Raleigh. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 PM, Monday, August 22, at Bryan Lee Funeral Home in Garner, NC to celebrate Georges life and his impact on others. The funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday at Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner, NC. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the music program at Aversboro Road Baptist Church.