John Boyd Davis III

JB was born in Warren County, NC April 1, 1951. He was the son of John Boyd Davis, Jr. and Eleanor Barber Davis. He attended Christ Church School in Tidewater, Va. where he earned the Bishop’s Award, the top honor for a graduate, and he later served on the school’s Board of Trustees. JB graduated from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill where he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order - Upsilon Chapter.

Upon graduation, he was the director of group programs for Circle Tours. JB joined FMI Corporation in 1981 where he served as Manager, Group Programs. He was selected to become a shareholder in the firm. He traveled extensively but still kept a strong work-life balance and rarely missed a soccer game, recital, choir practice or family event. He ended his career with Hamlin Industries. His team at Hamlin was incredibly supportive during the initial phases of his illness.

A lifelong Episcopalian, he was a devoted member of Christ Church in Raleigh, NC where he served in many capacities including as a member of the vestry, on several stewardship and capital campaigns, and usher. Following his love of music and years of “keeping the congregation on key” he joined the adult choir. He used his voice and his time to raise funds for various philanthropic efforts throughout the community.

JB is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years, Caroline Pollard Davis and his three children, Caroline Braswell (Edwin), Lizzie Elder (Paul), and Boyd Davis (Anderson), and his siblings, Laura Benjamin Davis and Kearny Williams Davis. JB’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, Eleanor, Davis, Ruth, John Hampton, Jack, and Turner. JB is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eleanor Barber Davis Mize.

JB enjoyed his time on the golf course, hunting at Alahuc, and sitting at the head of the table surrounded by his family and friends. His laughter was infectious and his family warmly remembers the joyful noise he made unto the Lord.

The family is incredibly grateful for JB’s extensive caregiving team — Bernadette Tucker, Nikki Weakley, and Angel Poe.

A service celebrating his life will be held at Christ Church, 120 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27601 on February 6th, 2026. A reception will follow the service at the church.

May his soul rest in peace and may we all be inspired by his example of love, faith, and devotion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ Church, Raleigh.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Davis family.