William "Bill" Davis Jr.

William R. Davis Jr., age 87, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Mr. Bill was a jack-of-all-trades who never met a stranger. He had a sense of humor that would keep you smiling even days later. He was a handyman and a provider for his family and community. Mr. Davis was a retired CW4, Chief Warrant Officer, from the United States Army National Guard. His rank represents a senior-level technical and tactical expert. After retiring from the Army National Guard, his service to his country continued through his dedication to the Army Reserves. 

Mr. Bill lived his life in service to his church, country, and community. He was an avid participant in the local Baptist Men’s Association. Mr. Davis traveled across the state serving others in times of need. He ventured to Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina where he worked alongside his fellow brothers in Christ to assist the storm victims. He participated in projects building ramps and other structures for community members in need. Mr. Bill loved Galeed Baptist Church and his church family. He enjoyed serving the Lord in various ways. He was popular in the kitchen where he helped prepare meals for the congregation and community. He loved people and he always spoke fondly of the moments he shared with his church family. Those who had the opportunity to talk with him know that conversations with him were a blessing. 

Mr. Davis was an enthusiastic golfer. Some of his fondest memories came from his time spent playing on the Master’s course. He enjoyed spending time on various local golf courses as well with his close friends and family. He was an avid fisherman. The North Carolina Outer Banks and Chesapeake, Virginia were two of his favorite places to travel when he was ready to cast a line. He enjoyed summers with family and close friends at his White Lake home in the Shady Shores community. Mr. Bill was a hunter and a member of the Big Swamp Sportsman’s Hunting Club. He was an outdoorsman by all definitions. He loved to tend to his garden and landscape. Bill was a mechanic. He loved to tinker and build. He was an animal lover and a caretaker of his family’s farm. Bill was the man you wanted by your side during times of need. He was a family man. Mr. Bill loved his family. Mr. Davis was a loving and dedicated husband. He and his son Lesley enjoyed their time together tinkering and maintaining the farm. Mr. Bill was a grandfather to two beautiful boys. They were his greatest joy. 

Mr. Bill Davis was preceded in death by his mother and father, United States WWI Veteran William Raymon Davis Sr. and Christine Allen Davis, two brothers: Jack Davis and Henry Davis, and two sisters: Sarah Bess Davis and Emily Davis Clark. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Carolyn, of the home, one son, Walter Lesley Davis (Ashley Davis), two grandchildren: William Jackson Davis and Timothy Owen Davis, one brother Allen Davis, and one sister Bess D. Line of Durham. 

Services will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Galeed Baptist Church in Bladenboro, North Carolina. The visitation will begin at 2:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Brett Young and Dr. Mack Roberts officiating. Immediately after the celebration of life, the burial will take place at the Singletary Cemetery in Butters.