Raymond Davis Sr.

Raymond Walker Davis Senior 1928 - 2015 Raymond Walker Davis Sr., of Colonial Heights, Virginia passed away on December 17, 2015, due to complications from Alzheimer's. A beloved father, husband, teacher, coach and Granddaddy, he was the type of man who could strike up a conversation with everyone he met. He was born April 3, 1928, in Shadwell, Virginia, the youngest of a family of eight. Anyone who knew Raymond knew he was proud to have been born on the same farm as President Thomas Jefferson. He grew up in Charlottesville, attended Lane High School and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1954. Sports played a central role in Raymond's life from an early point in his life, with football always being his favorite. He played football in high school, for the University of Virginia Cavaliers and for the U.S. Army. Turning his passion into a career, he earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Health, Physical Education and Driver Education. Raymond carried his love for University of Virginia football with him throughout his life and returned to Charlottesville to usher at home games. He was truly a UVa. Wahoo for life, and never needed persuading to share a football story from the glory days. Raymond settled in Colonial Heights in 1956 after obtaining a teaching position at the newly formed Colonial Heights High School. He was the first Athletic Director at CHHS, where he started the football, basketball, track and baseball programs. He always aimed to be a strong, positive role model in the lives of his students during his 29 years at the school. Decades after his teaching career was over, he would happily take an old yearbook down from his shelves and share messages and well wishes written by his former students. In his retirement, he taught driver's education, and was the world's greatest back seat driver. While out and about in his later years, he loved to point out members of his community that he had first taught to drive. Raymond enjoyed spending time with loved ones, relaxing in a comfy recliner, and of course, attending sporting events. He was the number one fan of any team on which his grandchildren played. He was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church of Petersburg and volunteered in his community. Raymond was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, doing a tour of duty in the U.S. Army in the 1940s and serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Raymond is survived by his three children, Raymond W. Davis Jr. of Charlottesville, Donald B. Davis of Chester, and Zotelia M. Elliott of Chester, their spouses, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition, he is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Lucy Lee Davis, her children and grandchildren. His children are planning to have a memorial gathering at the Colonial Heights American Legion Post 284 on January 23, 2016 from 4-8:00 P.M. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

Visitation Details

Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 4:00pm - 8:00pm, American Legion Post # 284