Donald Lee Davis

Donald Lee Davis, 86, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2023 after a long and brave journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born and raised in Wesley Chapel, North Carolina, Donald was the oldest son of Lee Bell and Hattie Steele Davis. A lifelong dairy farmer and cattleman who grew up with an exceedingly strong work ethic on his family’s farm, Donald graduated as valedictorian from the 1953 class of Wesley Chapel High School and received numerous local, state, and national honors as a legendary member of the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter.

Alongside their father, Donald and his brother Ray co-owned and operated Davis Dairy for over fifty years. Donald, a longtime advocate for local agriculture, was active in the Union County Farm Bureau for decades, serving as its president in 1963 and from 1989-1992, and receiving a special recognition for service; he and his brother Ray were honored as Farm Family of the Year at the 2004 NC/SC District Fair Farm City Celebration.

Never far from the soil, Donald always worked long hours on the family farm but still managed to find a little extra time for growing fruits and vegetables - especially champion-level tomatoes - that he eagerly shared with friends and neighbors. He also served as a proud member of the Air National Guard, a fireman at Wesley Chapel Volunteer Fire Department, and a deacon at Siler Presbyterian Church. He was a generous soul whose many kindnesses remained under the radar - be it Christmas fruit bags, helping out neighbors, or driving his younger siblings to basketball games and on hard-earned milkshake outings. Later in life, he was especially excited to travel more than he ever had to attend some of his son’s concerts - including a trip to London. In addition to being a member of Siler Presbyterian Church for the past three decades, he was also a faithful member of Union Methodist Church.

Donald is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Frances Tyson Davis, and his son Daniel Thomas Davis. His other survivors include his siblings Ray (Brenda), Doris Thurman (Jim) and Ruth Patterson (Don), and nine nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his older sister, Vivian, and brother, Jerry (Jean). The family is deeply grateful to the many caregivers who offered comfort and support throughout his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union County North Carolina Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund (704-289-4509) or the Union County Council on Aging (www. coaunion.org).

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 6 at 2pm at Siler Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow; burial will be private.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Davis Family.