Arthur " Buddy" Wilson Davis

November 4th, 1940 - September 8th, 2026

Arthur “Buddy” Wilson Davis passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on September 8, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born November 4, 1940, in Pantego, North Carolina, Buddy was the son of Edward H. Davis Sr. and Grace S. Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edward “Eddie” H. Davis Jr.

He is survived by the love of his life of 56 years, Ernestine “Ernie” Davis; his daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” White; his son-in-law, William “Billy” White; his grandchildren, Ashley Blackburn and her husband, Frankie; Lindsey Keen and her partner, Ben; Katie Stevens and her partner, Keanan; Angelique Bolton and her partner, Stephen; Justin White and his partner, Brittany; a great-granddaughter and a great-grandson; as well as his sister-in-law, Shelby Yarborough of Granbury, Texas; Chris Davis of Richmond, Virginia; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; his lifelong friend, Cecil Johnson; Steve Norman, who was like a son; and many other beloved friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who would do anything for his family.

Buddy learned the value of hard work from a young age. When an injury left his father unable to work, he began mowing lawns. While many his age were still finishing their education, he made the honorable decision to pursue entrepreneurship and eventually establish Davis Lawn Service with guidance from his father. In the midst of building the business, Buddy and his father also purchased and operated a rest home, Elkhart, a place where he would later have the opportunity to care for his mama. Davis Lawn Service grew from just him and his father into a business with ten trucks and multiple employees. Over time, it came back down to just Buddy, mowing only the church yard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Buddy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He played the guitar, drums and harmonica. He loved putting on vinyl records to fill any room with music. He could often be found piddling around in his garage, fixing something we broke or tinkering with one project or another. He took great pride in keeping his lawn, and everyone else’s, beautifully maintained.

Another thing he loved was being outdoors. Fishing, boating and enjoying the peace of nature. He appreciated every little thing, from a gentle breeze and the way sunlight could fall just right between the trees, to the mourning doves and wrens saying hello as he started his truck before his commute. He loved being surrounded by life, and he sure was full of it.

He had a soft spot for just about anything with four legs, feathers or fur. He would give treats through a fence, sneak turkey to them at Thanksgiving and could rarely pass a stray cat without stopping to say hello. While mowing lawns, he would even take the time to relocate rabbit nests so they would be safe from his blades and cutters.

At family cookouts, Buddy could almost always be found at the grill, making sure everyone else had food before he ever thought about getting a plate for himself, usually with an ice cold Coke or beer in hand. He had a quick wit, a gentle spirit and was always ready with a joke to lighten the mood. He truly had a way of making people feel welcome, valued and cared for.

For more than 40 years, Buddy was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Over those years, he served as a lead usher, held multiple office positions and was a valued member of the Methodist Men’s group. He also served as the church’s honorary handyman. If something needed fixing or anyone needed help, Buddy was the person you called.

He also had a special way of preserving moments and memories. With a camera in hand at any given moment, he captured photographs that allowed memories to live on long after the moment had passed, documenting trips, birthdays and casual get togethers. He had a gift for noticing the little things. Whether he was tending to a lawn, playing music, tinkering in the garage, fishing on the water, lending a hand or simply spending time with the people he loved, Buddy found meaning in being present for life.

He spent his life moving, building, fixing, creating, helping, laughing, loving and making sure the people and creatures around him were cared for. His hardworking hands, creative heart, quick humor, generosity and appreciation for the simple things will always and forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

And true to his own words “If ya quit movin, you’ll die.”

The last few years may have taken some of his vision and memory, but they never took his spirit.

Buddy never quit moving.

Psalm 23: 1-6

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the house of the Lord forever