Willie George Davis

A Life Well Lived

A Tribute to Mr. Willie George Davis

“Dad” “ Grandpa, “Bubbie” or  “Uncle Bubba”, as he was called, Willie George Davis came into this world on May 19, 1926 in Henderson NC.  He was borne to Mary Foster Davis and William “Bud” Davis.  He talked about working on the farm growing up so he made the decision to move to New York in his late teens to pursue a more lucrative work environment and he did. 

He lived in New York for many years and had a variety of jobs he loved where he met and married Edith Shamberger.  I lived in Robbins with my grandparents. One of the highlights of our lives was traveling.  It was so exciting to have them come to Robbins for visits because they always brought lots of good stuff from the city and was lots of fun to go visit New York to see the bright lights and get pizza in Harlem! They moved back to NC when I was about five to Winston-Salem.  Then me and my cousin David had a summer place to go, great fun, swimming, skating, movies and more. It was fun to go to Henderson. Remembering his Dad Bud, he lived a huge house downtown Henderson and going there I thought I was rich. Grandpa was such a kind loving man. Such fond memories.

Willie worked for GMC Trucking Company as a transporter once he moved back to NC until retirement, a job he loved and was proud of.  He loved antique furniture and antique cars.  One of the things he and Edith loved to do was go to auctions. Willie loved car races and antique car shows.  He was the owner of a beautiful black 1937 antique Chevrolet car until just a couple of years ago. He gave me my first car. He took me back and forth to college every other weekend and gave me spending money even though it would only be $5.00 LOL.

He and my mom Edith joined St. Stephen Missionary Baptist when they moved back to Winston Salem back in the late 1950’s. They enjoyed years of good service first with Rev. Joseph Samuels and now with Rev Dr. James Cook.  They loved the wonderful preaching and the marvelous singing of the choirs and the fellowship of the membership of the church family. He also attended Long Leaf AME Zion church regularly.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Edith Davis, parents Mary and William “Bud Davis, two brothers James and William Davis, his in-laws Mary and Dee Shamberger.

He is survived by a daughter: Jackie and her spouse, Jimmy Covington of Robbins. Many grandchildren, Dwan of Robbins, Stacy (Sylvia), Raleigh, LaTasha Little, Asheboro, Rasheda Allen, Kannapolis, Jakia (Louie) Jones of Asheboro & Heather Craven (Doug) Clemmons. He had 17 great -grandchildren & one great-great grandson, Karson.  A special nephew David Brower (Barbara) of Candor.  Three nephews, Edward Davis (Jean) who have three daughters and a grandson, Curtis Davis who has 3 sons, 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter of Charlotte NC. Carlton Davis (Yvonne) who have 8 children and 6 grandchildren of Florida.  A special first cousin, Barbara “Puddin” Davis of Raleigh, NC. Many cousins and friends in Henderson, Raleigh, Winston Salem, Greensboro, Robbins, New York and surrounding areas.

He had a Very Special Friendship with Mrs. Mary Lowery. Her loving care, friendship, wisdom, and traveling experiences gave him so many wonderful years!!!

Thank you to his longtime “Best Friend” Mr. Roger Bailey who took him to many doctor’s appointments when he was sick himself. Ironically, they both ended up in rehabilitation at the same time with Roger checking on him and him telling me to check on Roger. That’s true friendship.

Thank you to Lewis and Debbie Barr, his longtime, good dear friends, supporters for love and caring over the years, Sunday afternoons and good times to him and Mom.

Thank you to Terry and Shenedia Mitchell and the boys, his newest children and grands who checked on him regularly, took him food/cake, kept him company, took him out to eat, met the ambulance when he fell, and provided so much love and care.

Thanks to all the wonderful friends, his neighbor, Greg, the mailman and George, Peggy and Josh, staff at Morgan Ridge Apartments who have provided wonderful friendship and loving care.

Thanks to the Summerstone Staff and my daughter Latasha Little for making his last life experiences so pleasant with FaceTime visits and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Lovingly Submitted by Jackie and the kids

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