Horace Davis

January 22, 1934 - April 5, 2025

Garner, North Carolina - Horace Davis, 91, passed away on April 5, 2025, in Garner, N.C.

Born on January 22, 1934, Horace was a graduate of Rock Ridge High School in Wilson, N.C., and studied accounting at Kings Business College. He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1956 to 1958, and retired after a 40-year career with Carolina Power & Light. His work there took him to Rockingham, Morehead City, Wilmington, and Sanford; to district management roles in Raleigh and Garner; and ultimately to CP&L's Corporate Communications Department. There, he traveled across North Carolina to various civic groups and economic development organizations, delivering hundreds of speeches annually. Even after retiring, Horace remained an active leader and speaker at leadership trainings and volunteer recognition events throughout the state. He was a popular emcee, known for his humor and inspirational messages (and a few magic tricks).

Horace's dedication to service extended to numerous civic organizations including the Optimist Club, Toastmasters, Jaycees and Kiwanis. He held leadership roles as president of the Garner Chamber of Commerce and of the Wake County Unit of the American Cancer Society. He also served on the boards of Friends of the Library of Wake County, Friends of the NC Museum of Natural Science, NC Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity. He was a Mason, and member of the Garner Shrine and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Raleigh (32nd degree).

But when he joined the Garner Civitan Club in 1971, his commitment to his local club grew to include service as Governor of the NC District East Civitans and a term as President of Civitan International, where he worked (with his wife Maxine, another Civitan ambassador) to connect and energize Civitans around the world. At 91, he continued to participate in the Garner, South Raleigh and Caring Hearts Civitan Clubs, frequently serving as chaplain.

A member of Aversboro Road Baptist Church for decades, Horace chaired fundraising efforts for the original construction project, then served as a deacon, and taught Sunday School for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by parents Jodie and Viola Davis; brother Howard; sisters Dorothy, Mary, Louise, and Sue; and his beloved wife of 52 years, Maxine Marchman Davis. He is survived by his brothers James (Marie) and Jackie Davis; sisters-in law Thelma Hilliard and Bonnie Yeargan (Felton); brother-in-law John Lamm; daughter Susan Davis Morley (Sam); grandchildren Samuel "Gus" (Chloe) and Anne Morley; great-grandchildren Poppy and Woodrow Morley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Horace was especially grateful to the friends, family members and caregivers who enabled him to live independently and continue volunteer activities until his passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider contributing to the Civitan International Research Center, Aversboro Road Baptist Church, or the civic organization of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Horace Davis

Sponsored by Montlawn Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations.

8 Entries

Jan Henderson

June 28, 2025

I worked with Mr. Davis at the CP&L Raleigh District Office and the Community Relations Corporate Office. He was an awesome person and a joy to work with. My Loved his humor!

Marshall Matthews

April 25, 2025

Horace was a great person.He helped my Wife Barbara and I get our home electricity set up. I enjoyed knowing him over the years.
Marshall Matthews

Tony & Michelle Howell

April 23, 2025

Horace was quite a character and such an inspiration to all. He hired, Tony, at CP&L many years ago, and was always a caring boss, co-worker and friend. He was kind, encouraging and always had a funny story to tell. He will be greatly missed by all. Our love and prayers go out to Susan and all of his family.
Tony & Michelle Howell

Margaret King

April 23, 2025

Mr Horace was a Wonderful friendly man. I knew him when we worked at CP&L.

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Debbie Venturella Keiser

April 23, 2025

So sorry to hear about Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis and my dad drove to CP&L to work together. I spent many days at his house playing with his daughter Susan. She was the first person I met when we moved to Garner. Their whole family were wonderful friends. Our condolences and prayers go out to Susan and her family.

Debbie Venturella Keiser

John Robinson

April 23, 2025

Horace was an inspiration to so many people. He never met a stranger and was a friend of all. If he was speaking at an event he would "work the room" and meet as many people as possible. During his speech he would then include the names of the people he had met often in a humorous manner.

Frank Kelley

April 22, 2025

Well done, my good and faithful servant. You are one of a kind and we were truly blessed to have once heard you at a Civitan convention. Prayers and Condolences to the family. Frank and Kim Kelley , 2020-21 Civitan International President

Dianne P Riley

April 21, 2025

Horace was quite a character. One of my favorite memories was when he played Leonardo di Vinci at Aversboro Church. He painted The Last Supper. He was a super and kind human being. My life, and many others, was better because of Horace Davis.

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