Hugh Franklin Davis

Hugh Franklin Davis, 95, of Rome, GA, died Friday, April 1, at a local healthcare facility. He was born August 15, 1920, to Benjamin Franklin Davis and Alice Payne Davis. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen Dougherty Davis, daughter-in-law Jan Stanfield Davis and sister Jeannette Davis Selman.

Hugh was a man of great faith which guided his personal, professional, and philanthropic practices. A gentle and distinguished man, he loved his Lord, his family, and his community, and his visionary servant leadership made him an inspiration and mentor to many.

In his valedictory speech given to his graduating class in 1937, Hugh said, "There is a crying need for men and women who are willing to sacrifice their selfish desires for the good of their community and fellowmen. It needs citizens who live up to the golden rule seven days in the week; who lift a helping hand to the other fellow. Let us pay our debt to our school by years of noble living." Hugh Davis lived his life nobly.

He is survived by six children, Dr. Steve Davis, Asheville, NC, Susan (Bubba) May, Wedowee, AL, Dr. Ken Davis (Laura), Rome, GA, Karen Davis, Marietta, GA, Robin (Jimmy) Byars, Rome, GA and Bob (Connie) Davis, Destin, FL; his grandchildren, Courtney (Adam) Shoemaker, Burlington, NC, Cathryn (Matthew) Zommer, Charleston, SC, Laura (Dave) Ring, Cumming, GA, Leanne (David) Tindell, Ringgold, GA, Helen Davis, Drew (Kate) Davis, Atlanta, GA, Dr. Kathryn Byars, Raleigh, NC, Davis Byars, Charleston, SC, and Ben Davis, Chicago, IL. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and sister Avaleen Davis Johnston, Georgetown, TX.

In keeping with Hugh's spirit of helping others in need, the family asks that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Davies Homeless Shelter, 3 Central Plaza #198, Rome, GA 30161, or the Community Soup Kitchen, 4 Calhoun Ave. NE, Rome, GA 30161.

A private service was held Tuesday, April 5, 2016.