Rev. Donnie Gray Davis

Rev. Donnie Gray Davis, 84, of Ellerbe, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2018 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill.

Rev. Davis was born June 29, 1933 in Robeson County, NC, a son of the late William James and Pearline McCormick Davis.  He had served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He had attended Wilmington College and Duke Divinity School. In 1960, he was ordained as a minister in the United Methodist Church and served the following churches: Old Dock Charge in Columbus County, Scotts Hill Charge in Pender County, Devon Park Charge in Wilmington, Oleander United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Norman Charge in Richmond County, Magnolia Charge in Duplin County and retired from East Rockingham United Methodist Church in Rockingham. He has served as chaplain of the Samaritan Colony since 1994. He loved to read, to garden and to fish. He was a lifelong fan of all Duke sports, but especially Duke basketball. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 2 brothers and a sister, John Carl Davis, James Robert Davis and Dixie Pearline Floyd.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Barbara Jane Barnes Davis of the home; children, Donnie Gray Davis, Jr. (Nina Williams) of Wilmington, Karen Elizabeth “Beth” Williams (Charles) of Ellerbe, Phillip James Davis of the home; grandchildren, Joshua Gray Williams (Emily), Carlie Elizabeth Hicks (Dewayne), Reba Gail Williams; great grandson, Gideon Grayson Williams; brother, Earl Pope Davis of Grifton, NC and sister, Virginia Rose Coleman of Lumberton.

A service to celebrate his life and ministry will be held Monday, May 28, 2018 at 11 am at Ellerbe First United Methodist Church with Rev. Al Morris and Rev. Dena White officiating. Graveside services with Military Honors will be at 3pm Monday at New Hollywood Cemetery in Lumberton with Rev. Chip Bass officiating. 

The family will see friends from 3 to 5 pm Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe and at other times at the Williams home.

Memorials may be made to the Samaritan Colony, 136 Samaritan Dr., Rockingham, NC 28379.

Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.