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Wiley Davis Obituary
Davis, Sr.
1927 - 2012
Raleigh
Dr. Wiley M. Davis, Sr. was born Dec 4, 1927, to Pearl Fitzsimmons Davis and William Davis. He departed this life Oct. 12, 2012, after a 13 year battle with Leukemia.
Dr. Davis was baptized at 1st Baptist Church in Meadowview, Va. He later joined Martin Street Baptist Church in 1962. During his tenure at Martin Street Baptist Church he served as a member of the choir and usher board before becoming a Deacon. He graduated from Saint Augustine's College in 1951 where he received a BA degree in History Education. After graduating from college, he served in the US Army from 1951 until 1953. In 1974 he earned a Ph.D in Education Administration from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He became Dean of Students at St. Augustine's College in 1960 -1965 and served as Vice President of Student Affairs until his retirement in 1996. Dr. Davis was a devoted member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. for 62 years.
Dr. Davis leaves to cherish his memory, his son; Dr. Wiley M. Davis, Jr. MD, daughter-in-law, Felicia R. Davis, grandson, Wiley M. Davis III; granddaughter, Briana R. Davis, all of Charlotte, NC; four sisters, Mrs. Sarah Jenkins, Lanham, MD, Mrs. Marcella Patillo, Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Lillian Ridderick, West Haven, CT, Mrs. Vivian Williams, New Castle, DE; three sisters-in-law, Julia Davis, Yellow Springs, OH, Mary Davis, Raleigh, NC, Nannie Bullock, Center Moriches, NY. He also leaves behind two special nephews, Mr. Carlston Hargrove and Mr. Joseph Jones, both of Raleigh, NC and a special niece Mrs. Faye Williams of Durham, NC.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 19, 2012, at Martin Street Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC. Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00. Services will begin at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in Carolina Biblical Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Saint Augustine's College, 1315 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. 27610. Professional services entrusted to Lightner Funeral Home, Raleigh, North Carolina.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wiley Davis
Lewis Ligon Jr
October 12, 2023
In honor of a very special Sigma brother and distinguished gentleman, alumnus who embodied greatest to the world.
CydCharisse Capron
November 13, 2012
"The Way Of Love"
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the cracking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first",
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he know us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation:Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Dr. Wiley M. Davis Sr lived these words. It became easy for him to display his love for others and encouragement to anyone who came in contact with him.
"If I could help somebody along the way; then my living is not in vain."
This is the Dr. Wiley M. Davis Sr I knew and grew to love while at Saint Augustine's "St. Aug" and his visits to the Bahamas.
Respectfully,
CydCharisse Capron
Nassau, Bahamas
St Augustine's University (former College)
1985 - 1989
Class of 1989
St Augustine's University Bahamas Alumni Chapter
CydCharisse Capron
November 13, 2012
"If I could help somebody along the way; then my living is not in vain."
Rest In Peace Dr. Wiley M.Davis Sr.
Cecelia King
October 24, 2012
To the Davis Family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the passing of Dr. Wiley M. Davis,Sr. He was one of St. Aug.'s finest! I have fond memories of him from my days as a student there. He always had the time to speak and listen to students.
Look to God and trust HIM during this difficult time and HE will give you HIS perfect peace.
Sheila Stocker
October 23, 2012
Sincere condolences to the Davis Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time.
Dean Davis, as he was called during my years at St. Aug, was such a pleasant person, truly dedicated to St. Aug. He will be missed!!
SHIRLEY COLEMAN)MOORE
October 23, 2012
TO THE DAVIS FAMILY SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE DEATH OF COUSIN WILEY YOU ALL HAVE MY PRAYERS,WILEY WAS MY COUSIN THIS IS SHIRLEY COLEMAN)MOORE THE DAUGHTER OF MAE MOORE
Rosita Huyler Royal
October 20, 2012
Wishing Wiley Jr. and family comfort and peace. "Uncle Wiley" will forever stay in our memory as a man whose life was well spent. This is evident in the many live he touched in a positive manner. Rosita Huyler Royal and Alicia Huyler Sanders
Evelyn Merritt
October 20, 2012
To the Davis Family I extend my heart felt sorrow for your lost. We know that he is sitting by the right hand of Jesus. I know God will Bless his family with joy in knowing you will meet up with him again one day. Love
From Lee Family
Fred & Ava Watkins
October 20, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Thomas Wilkins
October 20, 2012
During my years there, Saint Augustine's College rendered to us abundant wisdom and inspiration through a president named Robinson, a dean named Twitty, a financial vice president named Holloway, various instructors and various staff members. There however was one particular vice president ( Dr. Wiley M. Davis, Sr. ) who I silently considered my dad-on-campus. Like my real father, Dr. Davis had a kindness about him yet blended with seriousness, responsibility and integrity. I was blessed to be mentored by such a soul as Dr. Davis. May God bless the family especially during this time of bereavement.
Thomas L. Wilkins ( Class of 1975 )
October 19, 2012
My prayers are with the Davis family in the loss of your love one. I admired Dr. Davis, as we shared in conversation, while working at Tuttle Community Center, as a teacher. May God continue to strengthen you in the days to come. Cynthia Perry (Wake Forest,NC)
Shelley & Tony Curtis
October 19, 2012
Dr. Davis will be remembered fondly. He was such a wonderful, noble man. Wiley Jr., please know that our prayers are with you and your family.
October 19, 2012
Today I heard with a lot of pain the home going of one of God's saints Dr.
Wiley Davis.My tears are not of sadness but joyfull because I know this wonderful MAN whom I call my dad
is gone to rest.
Dr. Davis was the first person to meet me at arrival from Liberia in 1977.He went to many places together,shared many times of eating and conversation.He looked out for all the foreign students.I am a priest today because of people like Dr. Davis.
He called me from the train when Mrs. Davis passed and I heard his love for his wife and son Wiley jr in his voice.
Wiley jr. please note that you have a special place in my heart.
Your truly
Rev. Fr. Himie Budu Shannon
October 19, 2012
Anthony,Peggy,Jr. & Alyn Goodson
Drusilla Dunn
October 19, 2012
Heartfelt prayers are sent to the Davis Family during this time of the loss of such a man of God who was dedicated to his family and to enriching the lives of students for so many years. The legacy of his life will live on in the many lives that he touched. May he Rest in Peace.
Betty Morgan Incorminias
October 19, 2012
My memories of Mr. Davis, as he was called then, was a kind and caring person who was so devoted to the "aug". When the guys acted up. He would always call my husband in and say, "Incorminias, I know you know who is responsible for this".
He will be greatly missed. He will be greatly missed.
Lolita Davis Holmes
October 19, 2012
Wiley . . . my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. RIP Dr. Davis . . .
October 19, 2012
Dr. Davis always had exceptional standards for education . His passion for sharing his educational knowledge with St. Augustine scholars will never go unnoticed. Dr. Davis was a very caring and sensitive person. May God lift the family up during this time. I extend my deepest synpathy to his family.
Janet Birchette-Moss
Washington, District of Columbia
Class of 1965
Justice James E.C. Perry
October 19, 2012
It has been said that a man that everyone speaks well of is either a a god or a fool . That is obviously a premise that is belied by Dean Davis because during and since my matriculation at St. Aug in 1962, I have only heard and seen good deeds and good words spoken about our respected and beloved Dean Wiley Davis. He was neither a god or a fool but a true child of God.RIP
October 18, 2012
I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Wiley Davis Sr. all my life, as we grew up in the same home town (Meadowview, VA) and our families have been life long friends. He touched many lives with his gentle nature, kind heart, and willingness to help others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I extend my deepest sympathy to all the family.
Viola Wade Smith-Daniels, Colorado Springs, CO
Bettie Archibald
October 18, 2012
The family will be in my prayers. Enjoyed the years under his leadership from 1979-1983 at St. Augustine's.
John Ketron
October 18, 2012
Truly a remarkable life that left its mark. We are sending our profound sympathy.
Betty Holman
October 18, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dr. Davis was indeed a warm and gentle spirit. He was anointed with a spirit of wanting to help someone all the time!I never heard him raise his voice, I never saw him lose that smile, and always had an encouraging word to brighten your day. I met him in 1990 and until a few months ago, he would come by the office just to say hello.
Dr. Davis will truly be missed, but he will always live in our hearts as a giant among men.
October 18, 2012
THE MAN WHO GAVE SO MUCH TO HIS STUDENTS. HE EVEN FED JAKE SHAW. " JAKE SHAW, DEAN, I NEED A CHEESE BURGER" R.I.P. DEAN
Monann Davis-Sanders
October 18, 2012
Dr. Davis was a mentor, father, friend to so many of us students at St. Aug. He kept us in line, gave us hugs and smiles when we need them. We always knew that we could count on him to make sure that our stuff was straight.
My prayers go out to his family at this time of loss but know that you have a very big group of brothers and sisters that also feel your loss. May GOD's love, and peace keep you at this time and the memories that you have comfort you even more.
Monann Davis-Sanders
Class of 1992
Miranda Inniss
October 18, 2012
What a wonderful, charitable man who demonstrated true Christian love to me as a student at St. Augustine's. I shall never forget his kind gestures and hope that I can emulate his generous spirit in my remaining years.
James Teague
October 18, 2012
Dean Davis (as I remember him from 1965-69)was a very kind and considerate man. It was obvious he loved St. Aug and enjoyed working with the students. Without his pleasant encouragement and unbelievable patience, my matriculation at St Aug would have been much more difficult. He will be missed.
Ella Watson Goodson
October 18, 2012
May you find comfort in the wonderful legacy left by Dr Davis.I remember him fondly.
1969 graduate of Saint Augustine's
Thelma Taylor-Stokes
October 18, 2012
Condolences to the Davis family. May you all have comfort in knowing that Dr. Davis is resting with Lord as he was a great help to all who attended St. Aug.
Thelma Taylor Stokes/Class of 1979.
October 18, 2012
We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord."
2 Corinthians 5:8 With much love for our Brother. Angela Myers-Jenkins, Zeta Phi Beta-Phi Beta Chapter
Saint Augustine's University Class of 1989
Yvette Holden
October 18, 2012
Dr. Davis, an inspiration to many. You will be forever missed!
Walter Stuart
October 18, 2012
My condolence to Dr Wiley Davis Jr and your family on the passing of your father. Dr Davis was an inspiration to
all who were fortunate enough to meet him and left a legacy of service to the college and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity that will never be duplicated. We the men of Sigma has lost a great man and servant...May God keep in everlasting peace !
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis, farewell my dear friend and mentor. You did so much to make the foreign students feel at home. I always told my Dad that Dr. Davis was my American father. For and on behalf of every Liberian Alumni of St. Aug. I say good bye Doc. Go get your rest until we meet again.
T. Nelson Williams,II MPA, HRM
Managing Director, Liberia Petroleum
Class of 1986
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis, will be missed. I thank him for his love and encouragement while I was at St. Aug.
Dr. Gloria Blount Dickson
Jake Fullen
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis is the reason I went to St. Aug.We are from the same community in Va.His mom and my mom were good friends.He did not have no in his vocabulary, he had a helping hand to all that needed help. That included just about everyone that went to St. Aug. A great person and friend to all.
Ortharine Williams - Class of 1991
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis was the first person I met at St. Aug. He ensured that I received a full scholarship my freshman year and encouraged me to do my best. His encouragement fueled my desire to earn a full scholarship each of the subsequent years of my matriculation. I will always remember Dr. Davis and his kindness toward me. He will be missed greatly!
October 17, 2012
Farewell my Boss, my mentor and my friend. I will always remember your generosity and kindness. I got my first office experience from working in your office as a student worker. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Hope Sawyer-Ratliffe
October 17, 2012
I graduated from St Aug in 1989. I am from The Bahamas we all knew and loved Dr. Davis.. May he rest in peace...
October 17, 2012
I was a frat brother and student at Saint Aug from 1993-1998. Dr. Davis and Mrs. Davis were always welcoming to us when we would come by the house from time to time unannounced as young undergrad frat brothers. God bless the Davis family through this trying time. Dr. Davis was a very good man.
Howard & Ida Leslie
October 17, 2012
Our family send our heart felt sorrow at this time .
Johnsie Snipes
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis, your father taught me At Saint Aug in 1963. He was a man of many talents and taught me the importance of being on time. Too, he was in my Retired Alumni Chapter. I will truly miss him.
Carolyn Beverly-Bolden
October 17, 2012
May God bless the Davis family during this time of loss. I have known the Davis family since I was a child, when they lived in Meadowview, VA I'm sure that he will be missed in body, but his spirit will live on because of the contributions he made in the field of education. RIP Dr. Wiley M. Davis SR
October 17, 2012
The only man on this earth I knew that would listen to everything you had to say....the only one on this earth..love you Dr.
Chevella Thomas
October 17, 2012
Rest in peace Dr. Wiley Davis, Sr.
Chevella Thomas
October 17, 2012
Magnificent Gentleman! What a blessing to have known Dr. Davis.
John Harvey
October 17, 2012
Dr Davis was a special person in my life. I wil never forget my senior year in 1968 he went the extra mile in helping me get my first job. He also had to help me move back to Raleigh and get my second job. We laughed over the years that i would still be unemployed without his help.He was a rare person who lived to help people.
William T. Newkirk, Sr.
October 17, 2012
Wiley and family, as you know, Dr. Davis was an anchor in the time of trouble. He was one of the most compassionate and caring persons on God's green earth. He has probably helped more college students than anyone affiliated with Saint Augustine's College/University. Heaven smiles upon his life and his memory will live on with us. He was a giant among men!
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis and family, our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father.HE WILL BE MISSED, HE WAS A STRONG PERSON, VERY PERSONABLE , WELL KNOWN AND LOVED. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY.
DR. & MRS. JAMES EDWARDS
Jacquelyn Jackson
October 17, 2012
So many precious memories I shared with Dr. Davis as a student aid worker from 1979-1983.
Sincere condolences,
Joanna Owens
October 17, 2012
The Davis family has been an important part of my life since childhood. Our mothers were co-workers and good friends. I grieve with you at this loss of Wiley and John within days of each other, but I look forward to reunion in heaven. My sympathy, love, and prayers, Joanna Maiden Owens
Lewis Ligon, Jr
October 17, 2012
My heartfelt prayers go out to the Davis family at the loss of Dr. Davis. Although my Frat Brother has entered the Omega Chapter he is gone but not forgotten. His work here was well done.
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis and I met for the first time at a conference in Louisville, KY in the 60s and remained friends throughout his life. Years later I was loaned to St. Aug by IBM where I assumed a few of his duties and duties in the Office of Student Affairs while he was on leave working on a terminal degree. Dr. Davis was a great person, a good friend and I will miss him. Family, may you find strength, peace, and comfort in his memories.
Ezell Pittman, PhD
Columbia, South Carolina
Geoff Hathaway
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis was a hero to many & helped numerous students including myself. He will truly be missed. I know you are flying high my Falcon friend!!!
Hew & Emma Dorssett
October 17, 2012
Our sincere condolences on the lost of your loved one, a fine man!
Dianne Turner-Whitt
October 17, 2012
I was a student at St. Aug during Dr. Davis' tenure(1971-1975). Please accept my condolences as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
October 17, 2012
Dr. Davis, your father was a wonderful person. Not only was he a devoted educator, but he was also a devoted christian. My husband and I loved and respected your father. Dr. Davis left a great legacy to you, your family and others. I loved to listen to your father pray. There was something special about his prayers. May God continue to bless The Davis family.
God Bless you
Annette Sanders
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