STEPHEN KENNETH DAVIS
May 9, 1932-April 5, 2017
Stephen Kenneth Davis, 84, Goldsboro, passed away Wednesday at Wayne UNC Healthcare surrounded by his family.
Ken or Kemp, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was born in Johnston County to the late William Ruffin Davis and Bertha Cockrell Davis.
He proudly served our country for a short time in the United States Air Force before being honorably discharged to return home to help his family.
As a firefighter for the city of Goldsboro, Ken spent more than 38 years moving through the ranks, ultimately being made assistant fire chief of Goldsboro Fire Department.
Ken retired March 29, 1997, but continued to mentor young firemen at the department.
He also owned and operated his car dealership, Davis Motor Sales, for more than 30 years in Goldsboro.
Ken lived a life of dedication to his family and friends and to his community.
He served his community many ways as a Shriner and as a member of Wayne Masonic Lodge No. 112 A.F. and A.M. to his work with the New Hope Ruritan Club.
Ken was also a member of First Baptist Church in Goldsboro, where he faithfully served the church as an usher.
For those who knew him, Ken will be remembered for his charm, quick wit and his smile. Although Ken leaves a vacant place in our hearts, we know he truly has a special place in heaven.
Ken will always be remembered as a loyal man of faith, and for the love and respect he had for everyone who touched his life. The dash between his birth and death represents a lifetime commitment he made to helping and serving others. The best of Ken will live on in each of us.
The family will receive friends Saturday, April 8, 2017, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church, followed by a service celebrating Ken's life at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, with Dr. Glenn Phillips and Goldsboro Fire Chief Gary Whaley presiding. Interment with fireman honors will be held in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Ken is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, JoAnn Pope Davis; daughters, Donna Davis Dixon and husband, Andy, of Snow Hill and Dianne Davis Greene and husband, Steve, of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Jonathan Lee Greene and Christina Leigh Crouch and husband, Christian; brother, William Hoover Davis and wife, Mildred, of Wilson; sisters-in-law, Mary Ruth Davis of Kenly and Velma Davis of Wilson; and his dear feline friend, Bubble Gum.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Elizabeth Morgan; brothers, Selby Davis, Frank Davis and Glenn Davis; and sisters, Montie Barnes and Mary Lee Peacock.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 125 S. John St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on April 7, 2017 10:00 AM