FRANKLIN DAVIS
Oct. 29, 1921-May 3, 2007
Franklin Davis, 85, of Kenly, died Thursday after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Johnston County to the late William and Bertha Cockrell Davis, he served with the U.S. Army 5th Infantry during World War II for 38 months. His tour included North Africa, Italy and the Phillipines. He was a tobacco grader for the U.S.D.A. for 35 years. After his retirement, he spent time fishing, doing woodwork, gardening and at family gatherings.
He was the husband of Mary Ruth Hinnant Davis, his wife of more than 59 years, who survives.
He was the proud father of two daughters and sons-in-law, Anne and L.C. Jones of Warsaw and Gayle and Gary Robbins of Woodbury, Minn.
Other survivors, in addition to his wife and daughters, include five grandsons and one granddaughter-in-law, Brian and Julie Daniels of Roswell, Ga., Matthew Daniels, Charles and Jeremy Hamm of Raleigh, and Andy Jones of Warsaw; one step-grandson, Paul Robbins of Raleigh; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Glenn Velma Davis of Wilson, Hoover and Mildred Davis of Bailey and Kemp and JoAnn Davis of Goldsboro; one sister, Mary Lee Peacock of Kenly; and his very special friend John Smith.
He is preceded in death by a son, Ronnie Franklin Davis; a daughter, Shelia Hamm; a brother, Selby Davis; and his sister, Montie Barnes.
The family received friends Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Minshew-Coley Funeral Home, 103 E. Second St., Kenly. The funeral will be held today at 3 p.m. at Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church, 80 Beulahtown Road, Kenly. The Rev. Curtis Jones will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 6, 2007 10:12 AM