Charles Pattison Bolles Davis

Charles Pattison Bolles Davis was larger than life, with a personality rivaled only by the size of his heart. He lived with enthusiasm, humor, and a childlike joy that stayed with him throughout his life. He had a huge personality and never left a room the way he found it.

Charles was born on September 19, 1972. From an early age, his family remembers his entrepreneurial spirit and love of “making a dollar.” As an elementary school student at Forest Hills, he famously bought bubblegum in bulk at Atlantic Tobacco and sold it for 25 cents apiece until the principal discovered his enterprise and shut it down. It was an early glimpse of the creativity, determination, and humor that would define his life.

Charles attended New Hanover High School, where he enjoyed being a member of the golf team. He later attended Lees McRae College and Cape Fear Community College before heading west to pursue his love of snow sports in the Colorado mountains. Charles spent several years in Aspen and Telluride, where the mountains fueled his love of skiing and sparked a lasting passion for cooking. While working in a fine-dining restaurant in Telluride, a chef recognized Charles’s natural talent and became a mentor, ultimately encouraging him to visit Johnson &Wales University Culinary School in Charleston, SC.

That moment marked the beginning of the work that would become his calling. Charles enrolled at Johnson & Wales, where he thrived, graduating summa cum laude. Following graduation, Charles returned home to Wilmington and, alongside his father, opened the original Sawmill Restaurant in Monkey Junction. Together, they later opened The Sawmill Grill in Hampstead. As his catering business grew, Charles launched what became his own signature venture, The Sawmill Cafe and Catering in Castle Hayne.

Charles’s style of cooking matched his personality. There was something for everyone. He welcomed all and never judged, whether at his table or in his life. He was known for being able to prepare both fine French cuisine to the best Southern homestyle meal and traditional fixings to anything in between. His catering was widely admired, and his restaurants became gathering places where daily and weekly regulars felt like family. The Sawmill truly embodied the spirit of “everybody knows your name.” Food was Charles’s way of bringing people together, caring for others, and making everyone feel at home.

Charles’s life was rooted in a deep Christian faith. He was a devoted member of Northside Baptist Church, where he served his church community and raised his children. Many have remarked that Charles was the most generous person they have ever known. He gave quietly, never seeking recognition; always protecting the privacy of those he helped. From offering free meals to customers fighting cancer to providing generous support to employees in times of need, Charles lived his generosity through action.

Charles also had a lifelong love for animals, especially dogs. From childhood on, he was rarely without a golden retriever or Labrador at his side. His dogs, from Goldie and Icy to Bear and Sully, were family to him and reflected his loyal, gentle, and caring nature.

From an early age, Charles loved being outside. From skiing to saltwater fishing, he loved the freedom of wide-open spaces and shared these passions with his children, teaching them to ski and spending time with them on the water.

Above all, Charles loved his children, Isabella Arwen Davis and Charles Brewer Bolles Davis. They worked together in his restaurant, and he would drop anything to go to them if they needed him. His devotion to them was unwavering.

Charles is survived by his children, Isabella and Brewer; his parents Barbara “Sweetie” Thompson Francis (Bill) and Michael Bolles Davis Sr. (Judi); his siblings Michelle Davis Caviness (Watson), Michael Bolles Davis, Jr. (Sabrina), Joseph Albert Hunter Davis (Randall), William Bradford Francis (June), and Angela Francis Garrett (Scott); and his nieces and nephews Michael Bolles Davis III, Katherine Whitley Davis, Hanna Smith Davis, Watson Davis Caviness, Caroline Pattison Caviness, Bradley Scott Garrett (Lauren), Ashley Marie Garrett, and William Callahan Davis, along with many extended family members, friends, employees, and loyal patrons who became family.

The family would like to give special recognition to Jenna Douglas for the love she has shown to Charles, his children, and The Sawmill.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Charles Pattison Bolles Davis to one of his beloved organizations:

Northside Baptist Church, 2501 N College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405

The Wilmington Rotary Club, PO Box 1194, Wilmington, NC  28402

The UNCW Seahawk Club, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403

Charles lived enthusiastically, loved fully, and gave generously. His legacy lives on in his children, his family, his faith community, and the countless lives he touched through food, kindness, and presence.

Memorial Service*The family requests that attendees wear bright colors! Please avoid black. Charles loved colorful clothing!

Monday, December 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.Northside Baptist Church                                                                                                                                                                                        2501 N. College Road                                                                                                                                                                                            Wilmington, NC  28405

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary.