John Ray Davis

John Ray Davis died peacefully on May 21, 2022. He was the youngest child born to Hosten and Hester Davis and was predeceased by his parents and his nine siblings.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce Burleson Davis, son Harold (Cynthia), granddaughters Sarah Elizabeth Davis Maier (Travis) of John’s Creek, Georgia and Mary Katherine Davis Ogle (Trevor) and their children Torin and Adelaide Claire Ogle of Eden, North Carolina.

John was a beloved member of the community known for his skill as a meat cutter and maker of John’s Famous Sausage. In the 1980’s he began working in bereavement care, first with Westmoreland Funeral Home and Crematory where he served for many years. He joined the caring team with Beam Funeral Home and Crematory when it opened and continued to serve there until his recent illness and death. John’s warm smile and comforting presence, and vast knowledge of the community was valued highly by families. Many times a family would specifically ask for John to serve them during their loss.

From the time he was in his late 20s, John was actively involved in music ministry as a soloist, pianist, and choir leader, mentoring many in the principle of returning your musical giftings and talents back to God. One of John’s favorite sacred songs to perform was I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked. And, one of his favorite hymns of faith to play on the piano was Amazing Grace. With voice and hands, John gave of his best to The Master.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Grace Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 2:00 o’clock. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Donations made in John’s memory may be sent to Grace Baptist Church designated for music ministry.

The family is indebted to John’s second family at Beam’s for the care and love shown to John and Joyce over the years and to the entire Davis family during John’s illness and death. Their graciousness and kindness is boundless. Thank you for your loving support of our husband, father, and grandfather.