Ray Barry Davis

We announce the loss of our dearly beloved husband, father and grandfather, Ray Barry Davis. Ray passed on the early morning of March 16th, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Ray was born on July 3rd, 1938, to Jesse and Ethel Davis of Mt Airy. Ray is preceded in death by his siblings, Jesse, Blann, Hal, & Cleve.

Ray graduated from Mineral Springs High School (W-S, NC) in 1956. He was also a proud Navy veteran who served his country from 1958-1960 after joining the Navy Reserves in high school. He deployed to Columbia, Cuba, and the Gulf of Mexico during his Navy service.

On August 1st, 1959, Ray married his high school sweetheart and wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother Marie Ross Davis. He is survived by his wife, children Brenda Davis Steele, Abby Davis Little, and Barry Wayne Davis (Marissa). He is further survived by his grandchildren; Brenda: Brandi Steele Blevins (Wesley) & Jason Steele (Kayla); Abby: Allison Little (soon to be married to Cameron Turnmire) & Justin Little; Barry (Marissa): Colson, Arden, Amalie, & Archer. As well as his soon to be great grandchild from Jason & Kayla Steele.

He and his wife Marie shared many wonderful memories together, world travels, and motorcycle trips across country. He worked for Bell South Communication (now AT&T) retiring after 30 years at the age of 52. He was an avid golfer; a tradition he loved sharing with his children and grandchildren. Ray was a wonderful handyman and self-taught mechanic, helping to build his and Marie’s home along with her father.

Below are loving words written by family members:

“Daddy loved his family get togethers, and was the grill master until his health failed him. He would still come out and oversee the grill process even when he was not able to be the chef.

“Although our personalities and temperament were almost identical and we fought like cats and dogs you were still my daddy and you will be missed. Tell uncle Hal we all said Hey!!”

“Ray is the best friend I have ever had ... I reminded him often during the last years & on his last day, ‘Dad, you are the best man I've ever known & when I grow up, I want to be just like you’ ... I love you man…”

“Ray, I am grateful I had such a wonder grandfather for 40 years of my life, thank you for always making me feel pretty. I will miss grilling on the porch with the you as that was our special thing we did together.”

“You were the second love of my live and my hero, whom I loved deeply as my best man and Grandfather. Thank you for showing me what a strong man can be.”