James Clayton Davis

James Clayton Davis died on October 26 in his home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Since Clayton knew the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he has experienced what it means, as written in the Scriptures, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Clayton was born near Bryson City, North Carolina on January 15, 1931, to Clyde Stevon Davis and Beulah Dehart Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Kathleen Thomas Davis, and his brother, Max Davis.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Lovelle Ledford Davis, four children; Steve (Melisa) Davis; Sharon (Jonathan) Watson; Debbie (Grant) Edwards; Rebecca (Gregg) Edwards; and foster son, Pedro Fuentes; his sister, Fern (Bill) Buchanan; and sister-in-law, Inez (Max) Davis; six grandchildren; two foster grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren

Clayton graduated from NC State in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education. In 1955, he received his Master of Science in Agrimony. He continued his studies, pursuing his doctorate in Plant Physiology until he realized he preferred a working relationship with the farmers.

Clayton was in the ROTC program while at NC State. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He served in the army and then the Sylva National Guard Unit where he was company commander.

From 1957 until 1972, Clayton worked as an Agricultural Extension Agent in Haywood County. During those years, he coached the 4-H Horticulture Judging Team who won the National Championship three times. In 1976, Agricultural Commissioner, James Graham, appointed Clayton to oversee the building and development of the Western North Carolina (WNC) Farmers Market. Afterwards, Clayton served as the manager for 15 years, retiring in 1991. During those years, he also managed the WNC Agricultural Center.

Clayton’s many honors acknowledge his humanitarian deeds, his spiritual contributions and professional accomplishments: These are a few of his achievements and awards:

• Graduate of Government Executives Institute at UNC at Chapel Hill – School of Business Administration

• First President of NC Rural Economic Development Association

• Governor’s Award for Excellence for the NC Department of Agriculture

• First Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for WNC.

• One of the first six inductees into the WNC Agricultural Hall of Fame

• Davis Arena named in his honor at the WNC Agricultural Center

• Home Trust Bank Board – 30 years of service – Chairman and Director

• Camp Living Water – Served as Chairman for a number of years and on the board for 60 years.

• Served as Maggie Valley Board of Alderman for four years

• Farm Bureau’s Tribute of Service Award – Recognized his outstanding service to the rural and agriculture communities of Haywood County.

• Lifetime Achievement Award - Presented by the Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen in recognition of his servant leadership that has impacted Haywood County for six decades.

One of Clayton’s greatest joys was ministering to and investing in the lives of others, especially in the youth of Haywood County by holding youth meetings for them in the early 60’s. This ministry led to the establishment of Waynesville Christian Fellowship where Clayton served as an Elder for more than 50 years.

Clayton was privileged to know many Christian leaders whose ministries circled the globe. His support of those ministries endorsed his life’s motto: “Only one life will soon be passed; Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Clayton’s pastime was enjoying nature, gardening, and fishing in mountain streams. He taught many young men the wonder of being outdoors and catching a “big one”.

Clayton will be remembered for his kind, gentle, and compassionate spirit. Those who knew him best would say the most memorable facts about Clayton’s life, other than his love for God and His Word—-which he read through more than 50 times— are his integrity, love for his family, love for mankind, and his marvel of God’s creation.

In celebration of his 90th birthday, Clayton gave his grandchildren and great-grandchildren a gift by writing his memoirs: My Life’s Blessings, Experiences, and Opportunities.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 - 8:00 pm on Friday, October 30, at Garrett Funeral Home.

Clayton’s funeral service will be held Saturday, October 31 at 11:00 am at Waynesville Christian Fellowship or view online at the following link.

https://zoom.us/j/96015746146?pwd=B2L2YdR6aTUBTtRkYW0jKF1xs7MK7j.1

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to either:

Camp Living Water

1510 Deep Creek Road

Bryson City, NC 28713

Waynesville Christian Fellowship

Missions Program

97 Pruett Ridge Canton, NC 28716