John Horace Davis

RALEIGH – John Horace Davis, 95, went to be with the Lord Thursday, November 11, 2021 with his family at his side. He was born in Wake County on August 21, 1926 to the late Ira Lewis and Daisy Gregory Davis. John attended Hayes Barton Elementary (now Myrtle Underwood Elementary) at Five Points and graduated high school at Broughton High. After High School he enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the Seabees serving in Okinawa. As a WWII veteran John took the heavenly sailing voyage on Veterans Day, which is certainly a recognition of his service to our great country. John’s entire 40 year working career was with Carolina Securities where he retired as Assistant Treasurer. He was loved and admired by many coworkers who continued to be in contact with him through the years. John met and married his true love and partner Ruby in 1950. Their family grew in 1953 with the birth of their first daughter Patty Ann who they treasured for two brief years. They were blessed shortly thereafter with the births of LaDonna and Keith. John and Ruby’s strong Christian belief led them to join Emmanuel Baptist Church where John was a member for almost 70 years. He graciously held many roles and responsibilities through the years as church treasurer, deacon, RA leader and Sunday School teacher. He and Ruby made many lifelong friends that loved and supported each other throughout the years. After retirement John/Papa filled his time with church functions, eating Ruby’s fabulous cooking and helping raise their grandson John (his namesake). His last three years had been additionally blessed with the “most beautiful and smartest” great-granddaughter ever - Savannah Ruby! He cherished many joyful days holding, feeding and playing with her. Our family has treasured every moment we’ve had with this funny, practical, and great Christian man. In addition to his parents, John was preceded by his wife, Ruby Davis; daughter, Patricia Ann Davis; and his sister, Hannah Ryan. He is survived by his daughter, LaDonna Davis Clark and husband, Ken of Apex; son, Keith Ira Davis and wife, Lorraine of Apex; grandson, John Horace Davis and wife, Morgan; and his great-granddaughter, Savannah Ruby Davis. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh, with visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 AM. The burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Emmanuel Baptist Church: 2100 Noble Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608; or Transitions LifeCare Hospice: 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com