Charles J. Davis

After 97 years of enjoying a rich, rewarding and productive life, C. J. Davis, Jr., of Rocky Mount, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2010. He entered this life in Rocky Mount on October 2, 1912, the son of C. J. Davis, Sr. and Betsey Lemon Davis. For sixty-six years, he was married to the love of his life and his best friend, Annie Marie Brown Davis, who passed away on January 1, 2005. Survivors include his daughter, Anne B. Davis, and his son and daughter-in-law Charles J. Davis, III and Christine, all of Richmond; grandsons Charles J. (Chad) Davis, IV of Virginia Beach and Dr. M. Andrew Davis of Atlanta; sisters Catherine Davis Sumner of Roanoke and Betsey Davis Betts of Rocky Mount; and, sisters-in-law Reva Hutcherson of Rocky Mount and Doris Brown of Illinois. His extended family includes Brenda Witcher and Alexia and Jaylison Tanks. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Lemon Davis of Bassett, David Davis of Collinsville, Joe Davis of Rocky Mount and infant Jack Pershing Davis. As a 1934 graduate of the College of William and Mary with a degree in chemistry, he was employed initially by E I Du Pont De Nemours & Company at its Martinsville facility. Later, he had a distinguished 30-year career with the Commonwealth of Virginia as Chief Probation and Parole Officer for Franklin and Bedford Counties. Like so many others, C. J. was a part of what is now affectionately and appropriately referred to as Americas Greatest Generation because of his service and sacrifice during World War II. As a Medic in the U. S. Army (19431945, 8th Infantry), he served in the European Theater and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, the bloodiest of battles that U. S. forces experienced in the war. As chronicled in a 1945 news article, his heroism and gallantry in the face of intense hostile fire and his own personal sacrifice resulted in him being awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, The Bronze Star and Bronze Star Oak Leaf Cluster. Quoting the U. S. Army Citation, the article says, Even when fragments pierced his clothing, he continued to administer first aid until all casualties had received treatment. His prompt administration of aid saved the lives of at least four seriously wounded menDavis courage and subjugation of his own safety to the needs of the wounded are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Upon his recovery and return to civilian life in Franklin County, he served for nearly two decades as a Boy Scout leader and helped mold the lives of many young men who became leaders in the public and private sectors. He was active in the PTA when his children were in school. He was a founding member of the Franklin County Rescue Squad and served a lengthy tour as treasurer of the squad. His passion for boating and fishing are legendary and he holds several citations from the Commonwealth for his nautical exploits. In 2008, he was presented with the Rocky Mount Rotary Clubs Patriot Award. His name is inscribed on the World War II memorial in Washington, D. C. He was a lifelong member of the Rocky Mount United Methodist Church. Those wishing to honor his memory are asked to make a contribution in his name to the Franklin County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 147, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151. Finally, the family wishes to thank all those neighbors, friends and caregivers who supported and watched over C. J. during the last years of his life. He treasured each of you and looked forward to your visits and chats. Arrangements by Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, Rocky Mount, VA.