Willie "Ray" Davis, age 65, a resident of Andalusia, Al passed away surrounded by family in his home on October 11, 2015. Ray started his battle with cancer 17 years ago and beat it. The second time he fought it courageously and gave it his all, but the Lord was ready for the battle to be over and restored him to his glorified body.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 7 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home with visitation starting at 6:00 p.m. Internment will be at Damascus Baptist Church at a later date.
Ray was a 1968 graduate of Florala High School and loved the times spent within those halls. You never knew what he was going to get into next, he probably put several gray hairs in Charles Stevenson's head, but he loved every minute of it. He treasured the memories shared with his classmates and spoke of them often; from drag racing with the guys to Friday night football games, they all held special meaning to him.
After leaving high school Ray joined the Air Force and was stationed in Riverside, California. Upon being honorably discharged from the military he came home to marry the love of his life, Melba Belcher, and he began his life in construction. Ray spent the next 42 years in commercial construction and the majority of that time as a project superintendent traveling around the United States with mom and us (yet to be named) in tow.
In 1970 and 1973 the two biggest changes to Dad's life occurred: US. Yep, that is right, time for us to be named, In 1970 Dad received a daughter Stephanie Rae Davis, they say I was named after a nurse, but I really think I was supposed to be a boy, but that is still up for debate. In 1973, the boy came along, my brother, Brian Jason Davis. Dad put many a mile on his cowboy boots running up and down the sidelines of every football game Jason played in. He loved the game, but most of all Dad loved to watch Jason play. We never let Dad forget we were there from that moment on…. some good…. some bad…but buddy he knew he was a "Daddy".
In 2011 Ray, (Dad), decided to retire due to health reason and settled in Andalusia, Alabama and focused on his new found hobbies. What many of you do not know about dad is not only did he have a love for fast cars and classic cars but also he was an avid baker and cook. Dad had perfected the cupcake, could make a cornbread hoecake that would make your mama jealous, and his roast would melt in your mouth.
Now I know it may be a shock for some of you, but for some it may not, but Dad was also a very talented artist. He called it "doodling" but He was able to draw the most amazing ink drawings just from looking at the scenery or from the memories of his past days. He has even had his artwork featured in Coastal Living Magazine and sold in several stores locally. Rustic drawings were always his favorite but as his talent grew he expanded into houses, especially the older southern style mansions.
Dad became a big ole softy in his old age; he had two dogs that I am sure replaced Jason and I if I didn't know better. There names are Jake and Mia; Jake is the largest Chihuahua I have ever seen in my life, I think it has something to do with the amount of treats dad fed him, and Mia is the most spoiled Shih Tzu this side of the Mason Dixon line, she even had her own blanket on the bed with dad.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Elmer and Olwin Francis Davis of Florala, Alabama. He is survived by the love of his life Melba Belcher Davis, his children Stephanie Seay (Chris) of Andalusia, Al, Jason Davis (Jennifer) of Birmingham Davis, four grandchildren: Justin Davis Seay, Connor Davis McDonnell, John William "Bill" Davis, Madison Jane Davis, Brother, Tommy Davis of Pensacola, FL, Sisters: Sylvia Coplen of Crestview, FL, Joyce Hinson (Bob) of Florala, Al, Sue Smith (Paul) of Kinston, AL, and Wanda Mitchell (Wayne) of Florala, AL and numerous nieces, nephews, and loving cousins.
But if you take nothing else about our dad with you, remember that he loved his family and friends more than anything in life and would do anything for them. So to all of you out there that are considered family and friends count yourself blessed and know you always have a part of our daddy with you.
Please join us in remembering Ray Davis by visiting our memorial at evansfuneralhomeal.com. Through this site we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.
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