Clyde Edward "Sonny" Davis Jr.

Clyde Edward (Sonny) Davis, Jr., of Russell, passed away on his 82nd birthday August 18, 2025, at his home.

Born in Martin, KY in 1943, a son of Clyde and Minerva Davis, he is preceded in death by his siblings Betty Jo Carr Richards, Phyllis Ann Richie, and Terry Miles Davis.

Sonny was a graduate of Russell High School. In his younger years he spent summers and any other opportunity in Floyd County on the farm of his grandparents, Miles and Ann Mayo. He passed papers from a young age. He really was the paperboy with a heart.

After attending NKU, he obtained a Chemistry Degree. His first stint in post-secondary education involved a few bad decisions at the University of Kentucky that made for some good stories but also made him a prime candidate for the draft of the Vietnam War. He was drafted into the Navy where the Marine Corps picked him to serve as a medic and stationed him in Okinawa. After completing his tour, he finished college with flying colors. However, jobs on the railroad were paying more than Chemistry-related jobs at the time, so he resumed his 44-year career with the Chessie System / CSX Railroad where he was a yardmaster and active in the union.

It only took one smile to get Anna Beth Cornwell to date him for three years. Then they married on June 29, 1973, and recently celebrated 52 years of marriage together. She was devoted to him to the very end. They have two daughters, Carrie Ann Davis and Rebecca Jo Davis. He loved his girls very much.

Sonny built a house in the woods for his family after reading a book and asking a few questions. He loved working and found joy in staying busy. With his boundless energy, he had several side-hustles over the years which included selling Mix-I-Go, picking up trash at the boat ramp, Davis Draperies, clock making, home improvements, and concrete work. He played every sport you can imagine being especially fond of golf, tennis, basketball, and backyard football. He began refereeing basketball and umpiring softball/baseball in the mid 1980's. He loved the rules and structure of the games. He also loved the players. He could remember their numbers and names for generations. He was the President of the NEKBOA for several years and was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame, an award he cherished. The comradery and fellowship of that brotherhood meant a great deal to him.

He was a member of Grace Baptist Church and accepted his Lord and Savior over 20 years ago.

In addition to his loving wife and two children, he is survived by a dear cousin Madeline Osborne Williams (Henry) and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jo and Richard Biehle. Nieces and nephews include: William Carr (deceased), Kythryn Carr Harris (Lawrence Harris), Robert Richie (Michelle), John Sommer III (deceased), Linn Biehle Chetty, and Willie Biehle.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Greenup County High School's Future Farmers of America at 196 Musketeer Dr Greenup, KY 41144

A celebration of life will be at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Grace Baptist Church at 2907 Greenbo Blvd Flatwoods, KY 41139. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Carman Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.