Richard James Davis

Mr. Richard James Davis, 84, of River View Court in Lavonia, GA, passed away of sudden natural causes on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, with a joyful faith in his Lord and his beloved wife of 63 years, Martha, by his side. 

Richard was born June 24, 1940, in Queens, NY, to Kenneth James Davis and Cecile Marie Harrington Davis, the first in a close-knit group of five siblings. Though born a Yankee, Richard embraced everything Southern from the age of 10 when the Davis family relocated to Atlanta, GA. He was a proud Chamblee High School Bulldog, making many lifelong friends there and faithfully organizing class reunions for decades after graduating in 1958. Richard met Martha, the love of his life, in high school, too. After marrying in 1960, they settled in Atlanta to raise a family and pursue their many interests, which in Richard's case included cars, books, hunting trips, racetracks, and crossword puzzles, always done in ink with no errors. 

Richard was a retired supervisor for Kelly Springfield and Goodyear Tire Company, where he worked for over thirty years. Always an outgoing and civic-minded person, after retiring to Lavonia in 1995, Richard volunteered in many of the city’s events and organizations. This included the Downtown Development for the City and the Lavonia Woman’s Club. He favored the Lavonia Racetrack, where he and his son, Chris, frequently raced and served for years as an officer of his community HOA. His courteous, generous nature and ready wit made him a valued member of every group or organization he supported. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Martha Burton Davis; son Chris and daughter-in-law Tina Davis of Leesburg, GA; daughter Karen and son-in-law Guy Tate of Jacksonville, FL; siblings Kenneth Davis, Jr. (Gayle) of Toccoa, GA, Glenn Davis (Jean) of Sautee, GA, Diane Davis White (Jim) of Beaufort, SC, Gail Davis Federer of Cumming, GA; grandchildren: Daniel Tate, James Tate, Rachel Tate, Keri Fincher, Brittany Anderson and Ashley Krus; and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ken and Cecile, Richard was preceded in death by his brother-in-law and hunting buddy Bruce Federer, Jr.

At this time, no services are planned.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is assisting the family of Mr. Richard James Davis.