Raymond Earle Davis, Jr.

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Celebrating the life of
Raymond Earle Davis, Jr.June 07, 1929 - April 04, 2008

Raymond Earl Davis, Jr.

Son of Raymond E. Davis, Sr. and Evelyn Jepson Davis and a founder with them of Columbia Wilbert Burial Vault Company.
He was an honor graduate of Brookland Cayce High School and the University of South Carolina. He joined the Lutheran Church in his teen years and was a 1951 graduate of The Lutheran Theological Seminary and studied at the Hartford Seminary Foundation in Hartford, Connecticut.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Rachel Rawls Davis, two loving and caring daughters and their supportive husbands, Ruth and David Smith and Robin and Robbie Thiele. He was blessed with six special supportive grandchildren and their spouses: Randolph Davis Smith Cheryl, Jennifer Smith Zottola Jeremy, Robert Thiele, Rachel Thiele McCoy Raymond, Rebecca Thiele, and Ruth M. Thiele, and a special family friend Frances Johnson. He was the great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren: Ashley, Davis, Emily, Emma, and Jeremy David. Also surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Iris and Eric Silk of Summerville, South Carolina and several nieces and nephews.
Ordained in 1951, he served as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Walterboro, South Carolina. He worked briefly as Director of Education at The Day School at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Montgomery, Alabama, and Director for Weekday Church Schools and Vacation Church Schools for the Lutheran Church in America headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
An avid reader, lover of words and a historian, his interests for many years have been William Scarborough and The Salzburgers, early German settlers. He has done extensive research related to William Scarborough and descendents. His research frequently involved original source documentations. He also wrote, planned, and delivered many programs for the Salzburger meetings. Though not a Salzburger, he took special interest and pride in the history of this group.
He retired early and enjoyed his special interests in the church, writing, history, music, singing tenor in the choir at Lutheran Church of the Ascension, and assisting with the liturgy, all of which brought him much joy. He was a life member of The Hymn Society of the United States and Canada and attended many annual meetings with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He chaired the planning committee when the association met in Savannah. He enjoyed theatre, especially musical theatre and played Fagin in "Oliver" and Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" and was also a supporter of the Savannah Symphony.
As one of his favorite hymns describes his relationship to his Lord and his church, "I love thy kingdom, Lord, The house of thine abode, The Church our blest Redeemer saved with His own precious blood. Sure as thy truth shall last, to Zion shall be given the brightest glories earth can yield, and brighter bliss of heaven. Amen."
The celebration of his Christian life will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Ascension on Wright Square, 210 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia on Sunday, April 6th at 3:00pm. Celebration Reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.
FOX AND WEEKS FUNERAL DIRECTORS HODGSON CHAPEL

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Dear Rachel, It was with great sadness we learned of Raymond's recent death. Our prayers go out to you and the girls as you accept, with your strong faith, Raymond's leaving you to join his heavenly Father. May all your family find great comfort in the sure knowledge that your beloved husband and father is even now enjoying the heavenly Kingdom promised by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

- Larry Jepson, Charlottesville, VA

Dear Robin and family, Very sad to hear of your father's death. James and I are praying for comfort and solace that only Our Lord can give during this time. We love you all very much !

- Cheri and James Ashley, Thomson, GA

I am so very sorry for your loss. I love you all and continue in prayer for your peace and comfort. What a special man Papa Davis was. He leaves behind a legacy of love for all who knew him. May God keep you in the shelter of His wings.

- Bonnie Johnson, Thomson, GA

Rachael, I just read the obituary of your husband, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories bring you comfort. God be with you and your family.

- ETHEL GIBBS BRADSHAW, Savannah, GA

I just read of Raymond's death and I am very sorry for you and your family. We have such wonderful memories of long ago. Mickey died in 1992 and I have since remarried. God has been very good to me . We will keep you all in our prayers.John

- John M. Awtrey, Little Mountain,, SC

Rachel, I just heard about Raymond and am so sad for you. I know these past years have been difficult for you and I have thought about you and Raymond often. God bless you with peace as you grieve your loss and rejoice in his gain. Love, Jeanette

- Jeanette Burgess, Atlanta, GA

Condolences to Rachel and family. Sincerely, Polly

- Polly Hart, Chapin, SC

My thoughts and prayers are with Rachel and family. Sincerely, Martha

- Martha Counts, Prosperity, SC

Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God grant you peace and comfort. Hansel and Leigh Hart

- Leigh and Hansel Hart, Irmo, SC

Rachel, Ruth and Robin: Jennie and I were saddened to read about Ray's death in this morning's paper. We extend our deepest sympathy to you are your family. Mack and Jennie

- Rev. Dr. Mack and Jennie Branham, Irmo, SC

Rachel, Ruth, and Robin - Our times shared with 'Papa' will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm holding you all close in my prayers. Love, Lynn

- Lynn Ernst Clark, Millers Creek, NC