Ralph J. Davis, Jr.
1945 - 2015
Ralph J. Davis, Jr.
1945 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1945
DIED
2015
Ralph Davis, Jr. Obituary
Ralph J. Davis Jr. was born August 21, 1945 to Ralph and Mary (Gardner) Davis in St. Joseph, MO. He married the love of his life Vanda Burnam July 16, 1976 in St. Joseph. Junior retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 35 years of service. He was currently the pastor of the Fairview Community Church near Winston, MO.
Junior found the most enjoyment spending time with his family and ministering to others. He surrendered his life to the Lord in 1976 and became an Ordained Minister in 1986. He was president of the Winston Ministerial Alliance for 20 years and was a volunteer for Hospice Advantage, but loved to minister to everyone. He always had a smile on his face everywhere he went and never met a stranger.
Junior was preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea Toney, Grandson, Wayne McAfee, Great-Grandson, Neil McAfee, Great-Granddaughter, Jazmin Schlecter, his parents and in-laws, Ellen and Eugene Burnam .
Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Vanda Davis and his dog Rudy of the home, son, Rodney Davis of St. Joseph, daughters, Jodi Davis and Phil of St. Joseph, Renita Neville and husband Tyler of Agency, Dawn Bolton and husband Brett of St. Joseph, Traci McCullough and husband Randy of Oronogo, MO, Carrie Filbeck and husband Rob of Gallatin, son-in-law, Jesse Tony of Gallatin 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Dan DeShon
April 22, 2015
I work with and for Jr. off and on for years he would never have you do anything he wouldn't do always willing to help when I needed. He will be missed and I'll never forget him.
Kim Smith
April 16, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to my cousins tomorrow when they lay your dad to rest. This is one of the hardest things you will ever have to deal with in your life. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Love to you all. Rest in peace Uncle Ralph.
Love always,
Monica & Justin Lang
April 15, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP Pastor Davis
RHONDA TODD-NIDA
April 15, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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Jerry and Dana Urtoin
April 14, 2015
We are praying for peace and comfort for the family. Knowing that he was a man of God must certainly help understand that his parting from his loved ones is merely temporary.
Candessa Williams
April 14, 2015
Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. I know you are hugging Andy again and enjoying your blessed reunion.
Linda Lollar
April 14, 2015
What a special man Ralph was. Always had a smile and knew you every time he saw you. A true man of God.
Praying for each of the family, for God's peace and understanding.
brianna kline
April 14, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. Many many prayers to your family at this time of loss
Dwight & Tina Hartley
April 12, 2015
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Dwight & Tina Hartley
April 11, 2015
Rodney, Jody, Renita and Dawn,
We are very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It has been many years since we have seen Uncle Ralph, but know that we cherish many fond memories of him. He always made us laugh with a funny story or joke that only he could tell and make it so funny. We will always remember his big smile. Stay strong, lean on God and each other to get you through the tough days ahead. Know that each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending love and blessings,
Tina and Dwight
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1329 West Grand Street , Gallatin, MO 64640
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