Ronnie Derrell Davis

Ronnie Derrell Davis age 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 18,2024 while at his residence with his loving family by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday December 22,2024 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Rev. Jonathan Bradshaw and Rev. Paul Coward will officiate. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery directed by Norton Funeral Home. Visitation will be following the service at the graveside.

Derrell was born in Hartsville, SC, the only child of the late Claude Davis and Gladys Hodges Davis. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for over 70 years. He served as the chairman of the Emmanuel Christian School Committee for 27 years. Derrell was the assistant coach for the Lady Crusaders' basketball team for many years and enjoyed watching his girls play. He served 7 years in the South Carolina National Guard and an additional two years in the United States Army. He was a Korean War veteran and was boots on the ground for 485 days in South Korea. He retired from Sonoco Products Company after 37 years of service as an Expediter and a Master Craftsman in the Machine Manufacturing Department.Derrell had many hobbies starting with his love of water, from water skiing and fishing at the lake to visiting the ocean. He loved going to the beach and enjoyed spending many weekends on the strand. Derrell had a love of music, and enjoyed listening to it or playing his guitar, and up until recently played the guitar every night before bed. He also taught his nephews and instilled in them a love of music. Derrell always had a love for automobiles/motorcycles and introduced his only grandson, Preston to this passion. His newest hobby was growing banana trees, and enjoyed sitting on the deck under their shade. His greatest joy was being "Pappa" to his grandson Preston. 

Derrell met the love of his life, Annelle at Hartsville High School in 1948 at the age of 16, and the rest is history. They have been married for 73 amazing years and raised two loving daughters - Karen and Christy. Derrell has so many other loved ones in his life with many nieces and nephews that grew up at their house during so many fun Summers. He also shared a special bond with Cantley Zack; they spent many days hanging out together.

 He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Karen Davis. He is survived by his wife, Annelle; his daughter, Christy (Thomas) Ridgill and grandson Preston Ridgill.Special thanks to McLeod Hospice for their wonderful care and assistance.Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Christian School. 1001 N Marquis Hwy, Hartsville, SC 29550 https://www.ecscrusaders.com/

"A Life So Beautifully Lived, Should Be Beautifully Remembered."

Norton Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Davis family.