Robert Ray Davis Jr., Army retiree
Robert Ray Davis Jr., 80, of Milton, passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
Born Oct. 9, 1943, in Bristol, Tenn., he was the son of Robert Ray Davis Sr. and Edith W. (Poore) Davis.
Robert moved with his family to North East, Md., in 1946, when his parents opened Davis Gift Shop on Route 40. Robert attended North East High School, where he graduated in 1961. He operated Shell gas stations in Newark and Manasquan, N.J., until he enlisted in the Delaware National Guard June 1, 1973. During his service, he earned many awards and accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross.
He worked as a full-time technician at Delaware National Guard from 1974 at the Army Aviation Support Facility, and later at the human resources office. He transitioned to Army active-duty status and served in the Delaware Army National Guard Counterdrug Operations section until his retirement as master sergeant Oct. 31, 2003. He went on to work for the Veterans Administration until his retirement as a human resources officer in February 2009, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Elsmere.
He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; drag racing, car shows, and designing and building systems on muscle cars; supporting family interests; and RV camping. Robert loved to spoil his pet dogs over the years and enjoyed riding his horse Tony during his teen years.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, Robert R. Davis Sr. and Edith Davis Nichols; his sisters, Bobbie Jo Shade and Judy Smith; and nephew, Scott Smith.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Susan (Comly) Davis; his children, Robert R. III (Ginger) of Fort Worth, Texas, Leann of Centreville, Va., Steven (Kathy) of Avon, N.C., Ray (Katie) of Milton, and Gregory (Jenel) of North East; sister, Shelby Davis-Clark of Fleming Isle, Fla.; brother, William P. (Betty) of North East; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Brendan Kane of Delaware Foot and Ankle Center, and AccentCare Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
Funeral services followed by military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 4, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th St., Lewes, where a viewing will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will be at a later date at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Youth Ministry, 129 W. 4th St, Lewes, DE 19958; or Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Visit Mr. Davis’s Life Memorial webpage and leave a message of condolence at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
