Jacksonville, NC - John Richmond Davis, 91 years young, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 9, 2011 at Carebridge Assisted Living in Jacksonville, NC. He was born on September 22, 1920 in Concord, NC to John T. and Minnie Haney Davis. He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Ruth; his parents and his brothers, William, Charles and Joseph.
John joined the Marine Corps in 1938. He served his country faithfully for 22 years during World War II and the Korean War and honorably retired in 1960 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Shortly after retirement, he took the position of Clerk of Municipal Court in Jacksonville and served for several years. When the court system was revamped, he went to work for the State Employment Security Commission in Onslow County. He became the Liaison between the service men and women leaving the Corps, assisting them in finding good jobs in the community. Later he was instrumental in starting a men's garden club in Jacksonville, "The Green Thumbers" and was actively involved for many years. His love of gardening prompted him to become very proficient in the propagation of growing of azaleas. His yard in Northwoods was always alive with numerous colors of Azaleas, Camellias, and Rhododendrons. People from all around the city and county would come by to enjoy the beauty.
John and Ruth were very active in their church, First Baptist of Jacksonville, where they were members for more than 50 years. He served on many committees, teaching Sunday School, church activities and his special love, music. He sang in the choir until his strength failed. He was frequently asked to sing at weddings, funerals and parties. His deep bass voice bringing comfort and peace to some, and joy to others. Ruth would many times accompany him on the piano making quite a team. John loved children. He would often do little magic tricks for the kids after church on Sunday. They, as well as their parents, were often fascinated by "The Magic Man".
John never met a stranger and cultivating new friendships was something he truly enjoyed. It was an honor to be his friend. He was a devoted husband and father. John will leave a huge void in the lives of his loved ones. He is survived by his daughter, Virginia "Ginny" Newton and husband, Michael of Jacksonville; his precious sister, Shirley D. Whitfield and husband, Floyd, of Charleston, SC; his loving sister-in-law, Lucy Newlin Bowden of Burlington, NC; his nephews, Tim Whitfield (Alina) of Charleston, SC, Bill Whitfield ( Marci) of Summerville, SC, Jim Boren (Amanda) of Asheville, NC, John Davis ( Marsha) of Charleston, SC, Locke M. Newlin ( Mary Ann) of Calabash, NC, Dick Jones ( Jackie) of Boone, NC, Allen Newlin of Haw River, NC; his much loved nieces, Lucy B. Scott ( David) of Mebane, NC, Julie B. Walker ( Ken) of Mebane, NC, Carol N. McCauley ( Jackie) of Graham, NC, Angela D. Fuller ( David) and Christie D. Dockery, both of Albany, GA and Martha Bowling and Sara Cooper of Graham, NC.
Much love and gratitude go to the wonderful, caring staff at Carebridge Assisted Living. You are fantastic people. A special thank-you goes to Catherine "Cat" Ambrose who loved and cared for "Mr. John" for more than 15 months. And to the caring, professional ladies from Continuum Hospice, Eleanor, Brenda, Brynn and Naomi, I am in your debt forever for the gentle, constant care you gave my Dad.
The family will receive visitors at 300 Woodhaven Drive, Northwoods, on Saturday, between the hours of 2:00pm and 4:00pm and on Sunday at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, 11:00AM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville with the Rev. Charles McKinney officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.
Monday, 11:00AM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial follow at Onslow Memorial Park.