Leeton Davis

Born in Wilmington, North Carolina on February 14th, 1937, Roy “Leeton” Davis was a son of Clifton Lee, Sr. and Olive Casey Davis. Given his generous and big heart, it is fitting he was born on Valentine’s Day. He passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2024 surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Leeton grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, the second child and oldest son in a brood of six. Leeton was extremely devoted to his parents and siblings whom he spoke with weekly for the duration of his lifetime. Leeton’s siblings were his first and lasting playmates. Leeton collected an entire tribe of playmates that remained constant beginning in kindergarten until his passing. A loyal man, once Leeton made a friend, that friend was treasured. Phil, Will, Dan, and a host of other lucky humans could attest to his steady devotion.

A graduate of Dreher High School in 1955, he went on to complete a bachelors of science degree in accounting from the University of South Carolina in 1959. This was a banner year for Leeton. He graduated from college; began a long career as a certified public accountant at J.W. Hunt and Company; and married Joan Gaskill.

Joan and Leeton had three daughters - Marri, Debbie and Michelle. While their marriage ended, their friendship did not. They lovingly raised their daughters together and remained affectionate until his death.

A hard worker and dedicated employee, he eventually became the managing partner at J.W. Hunt and Company. He took pride in his work and the firm that employed him, and maintained a reputation as a hard-working , honest and direct businessman. He worked at J.W. Hunt and Company until he retired in 1994.

In the late 1960’s, Leeton discovered what would become a life-long passion - sailing. He joined the Columbia Sailing Club in 1971, and served as commodore in 1976 and for many years as treasurer. CSC awarded him the Outstanding Service Award in 1977 and the Lifetime Service Award in 2007. There would be a lifetime of adventures on the water and tales that would entertain and be the source of much laughter and howling for years to come. Leeton cherished sailing on his beloved Helms 24, the Pink Chicken, with and among his fellow sailors. The Davis family laughs hard, loud and often. His baritone voice and laughter reverberated across the water of Lake Murray and the British Virgin Isles in a way that will be sorely missed by all that sailed with him. Leeton used sailing as a tool to connect and share his big heart with the people he loved. His daughters and honorary son will be forever grateful for the memories and mischief they shared with their father sailing in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Leeton began his most joyful life chapter in 2001 when he joined Brenda Ramage Davis in a love story that made everyone who knew them smile. They have danced around the globe, laughing and playing like children for the happiest 23 years of Leeton’s life. Whether in another country, on a boat, at their camper at the beach, in Key West or in Brenda’s beautiful backyard, those two have simply and fully enjoyed one another. Leeton loved his Brenda so much.

What can be said about Leeton Davis is that his relationships were sacred to him. There was a reverence to the way he said, “My wife, my mother, my father, my daughter, my granddaughter, my grandson, my brother, my sister, my niece, my friend.” There will be a great hole in the hearts of everyone who heard him say those words.

Leeton is survived by his wife, Brenda; his daughters - Marrionettia Parker, Deborah Seiffert, Michelle Davis, honorary son, Dan Ramage, and honorary daughter, Selina Hunt McKinney; five grandchildren- Katherine Hart, Nelson Russell Parker, Jr., Deborah Pietras, Nicholas Seiffert, and Samuel Seiffert; and three siblings- Becky Jo Clark, Clifton Lee Davis, Jr. and Richard Davis. Leeton had six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He is predeceased by his parents and his older sister, Dr. Shirley Davis-Martin.

Donations can be made to the Junior Sailing Program at Columbia Sailing Club or PBS, Public Broadcast Service. A small gathering celebrating Leeton’s life will be held at a later date.