Nicholas Elmer Davis

Nicholas Elmer Davis, born April 1, 1971, the loving husband of Lori Anne Davis (Leathers), caring father of George and Jack Davis, and the son of Rudy and Janine Davis, passed from this life with friends and family at his side August 23, 2023.
He was born in Provo, Utah and spent his toddler years living in West Germany when his father was stationed there. Nick's penchant for quickly making close friends wherever he lived started in Europe, becoming a favorite of local German storekeepers and gasthaus staff. Nick's parents settled in Steilacoom, Washington after retiring from the military. Nick graduated from Steilacoom High School and the University of Washington-Tacoma before fulfilling his lifelong dream of military service in the United States Marine Corps.
Nick left Washington state for Marine Corps training in 1993 and embarked on a military career spanning the globe, including combat tours in Iraq and Marine Corps missions afloat. Regardless of where the Marines took Nick, his missions always returned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he met his wife, Lori Anne, and more importantly to Sneads Ferry, where they created their life together.
Nick's thirty-year Marine Corps career included several incredible assignments but his proudest job was father to George and Jack. Nick and Lori's strong Sneads Ferry roots enabled the boys to grow up in a small town with a closely-knit community. Nick enjoyed spending time with friends and family on the boat, at the beach, skiing, and in the neighborhood with the local Ice Cream truck. Nick and Jack avidly spent time together on the water fishing and learning about the local wildlife. Nick proudly ran the USMC Marathon numerous times including his favorite marathon last year with his son George. Nick did whatever he could to be there for the boys' activities when he wasn't deployed, supporting soccer, dance, football, and cheering on Dixon bulldog teams.
Nick is survived by his wife Lori Anne, sons George and Jack, sister Sabrena Schmella (Skeet), and Mother Janine. He was preceded in death by his father Rudy.
Nick stood-up for those who needed it and defended them at every chance. He strongly supported organizations that advocate for marginalized people. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to The Special Olympics, https://www.specialolympics.org/get-involved.
A visitation service will be held Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 2-4pm at Jones Funeral Home, 303 Chaney Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540. Interment with military honors will be 12pm Tuesday, August 29th at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Landing Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540.
Local arrangements made by Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville