E. Lawrence Davis III

Born on December 30,1937, he was the first of four children of the late Egbert L. Davis, Jr. and Eleanor Layfield Davis. Cherishing his memory are his beloved wife of 62 years, Alexandra (Sandra) Holderness Davis; children: Alexandra Hipps and husband Doug of Charlotte, Bert Davis and wife Fran of Boone, Lucinda Davis and Pam Davis of Raleigh; grandchildren: Douglas Hipps, Lawrence Hipps, Sandra Davis, Julia Caricola and husband Sean, Eli Davis, Frances Davis; great-granddaughter: Lina Alexandra Caricola; siblings: Linwood Davis and wife Martha, Anne Hummel and husband Sam, Patsy Duke and husband Rusty; in-laws: Howard Holderness and wife Mary, Richard Holderness, Pam Hassenfelt and husband Steve, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Howard and Adelaide Holderness, sisters-in-law Lucinda Holderness and Julie Holderness.

Lawrence grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1956. He received his BA from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in 1960 and his JD from Duke Law School in 1963. Following law school, Lawrence was stationed in Washington, DC where he served with the U.S. Army’s 902nd Military Intelligence Corps with the rank of Captain and earned his MBA from George Washington University. In 1965, Lawrence and Sandra moved home to North Carolina. Lawrence joined the firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice where he practiced law for over 50 years. Active in politics, Lawrence served two terms in the NC General Assembly as a State Representative and two terms as a State Senator.

At White Memorial Presbyterian Church, he served as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, choir member and Stephen Minister. He enjoyed leading the church’s Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing alongside the Huntley brothers, singing and playing the harmonica. Additionally, he considered his years as a Bible Study Fellowship discussion group leader a great privilege.

Lawrence served as Chair of the NC Baptist Hospital Trustees, NC Family Business Forum, Northwest Environmental Preservation Committee and the NC Democratic Party. He was President of Rotary Club of Raleigh and Co-Chair of Winston-Salem Young Life. He served as a board member of the North Carolina Bar Association, Coastal Conservation Association NC, Haven House Services, North Carolina Prison Fellowship and the George A. Coburn Foundation. He received Young Man of the Year Award from the Winston-Salem Jaycees, Freedom Guard Award from the NC Jaycees and Citizen of the Year from the Winston-Salem Mayor’s Committee of Employment of the Handicapped. In 2019, Lawrence and Sandra were jointly honored with The Order of The Long Leaf Pine in recognition of their contributions to the State of North Carolina. When asked what he considered to be the highlight of his career, his response was immediate and definite, “My marriage to Sandra Holderness.”

Above all, Lawrence loved Sandra. They walked with the Lord together. The warmth of their home, the generosity of their hospitality and their unending love for one another continues to serve as an example for all who were touched by their marriage. Lawrence was a patient and devoted father and grandfather. Full of wisdom, he led and taught through his example and character.

Following his retirement, Lawrence wrote and published a book, The Life & Times of Jim Henry Shore. This novel, based on the life of his great-grandfather, demonstrated love, faith, family, hard work and devotion, all core tenets of Lawrence and his ancestry.

Always including family and friends both old and new in his adventures, Lawrence enjoyed beach time, fishing, skiing, tennis, swimming, biking, canoeing, hunting, camping, starwatching, traveling, reunions, playing chess, singing, playing the harmonica and piano, attending the symphony and bell ringing for The Salvation Army.

We are grateful to all the friends, neighbors and relatives who have meant so much to our family. We are especially appreciative of the steadfast friendship of Rick White and Bill McLaurin. We thank Lili Yager, Myra Spencer, James Orina, Victor Musembi and the Transitions LifeCare team for their professional and loving care.

A service of worship celebrating the life of Lawrence Davis was held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. Lawrence’s family will receive friends at the church following the service.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Transitions LifeCare or to the charity of one's choice.

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC.