DIVIDING CREEK—Emory Earl Davis, 95, a lifelong resident of Dividing Creek in Northumberland County passed away on October 20, 2023, at Memorial Regional Medical Center.
Born on June 28, 1928, to Frank and Mary Emma Ficklin Davis, he attended Shiloh School and was inducted into the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He married Margaret Rebecca Coates on March 13, 1952, who predeceased him in 2007. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Nina Davis Jett and Margaret Davis Sisson.
Earl had many and varied careers in his 95 years working on the water to running a restaurant, an Amoco service station, and later years with the former T. W. Bonner and Tri Star Supermarket. He is probably best known for his 27 years at the former Western Auto in Kilmarnock. He would often tell stories of the customers he served and the many children of the Northern Neck who received a bike for Christmas assembled by him. He was a member of the Rehoboth Church Ruritan Club with perfect attendance for 35 years until it was dissolved.
A devoted and faithful member of Rehoboth Methodist Church, Earl loved God, his family, and his many friendships over the years young and old. He served the church faithfully as a greeter (first smile everyone saw), trustee, never missed a church council meeting, best coffee maker and he rang the bell for worship every Sunday. He had a perpetual smile, quick wit, and was kind to everyone.
When Earl met new neighbors, he invited them to attend church and these new friends would become extended family. Lovingly referred to as the “crab man” Earl fished his crab pots weekly and supplied family, friends and neighbors with fresh steamed crabs. He loved fishing, spending time on the water in his beloved boat, and never missing a fishing opportunity with a friend. He remained actively involved in church and volunteered with the Wicomico Church Food Pantry until his death.
Earl is survived by a devoted brother, Russell Davis (Suzanne) of Dividing Creek and Mechanicsville; and sons, Richard Earl Davis (Barbara), Midlothian, and Thomas Roscoe Davis (LuAnne) of Lancaster; and a grandson, Nicholas Davis, M.D., of White Marsh, Md. His greatest joy in life was his granddaughter, Alison Davis Haynie (Tyler) of Weems, who affectionately called him “Pop Pop.”
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, at Rehoboth Church, 126 Shiloh School Road, Kilmarnock. Friends called from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, at Currie Funeral Home.
Rev. Donna Blythe will officiate the service. The interment will be in the Rehoboth Church Cemetery. Pallbearers include John Neimiller, Dale Griggs, Linwood Spears, Elmer Pittman Jr., Brian Coates, James Smith, Tyler Haynie and Gerald Sellers.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund, Rehoboth Methodist Church, P.O. Box 203, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
