By Staff
Mr. Irwin Hughes Davis of the Bentonville community of southern Johnston County completed his life’s work on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the age of 91 at Britthaven in Washington, NC.
Mr. Davis was born in his rural home near Eureka, NC in Wayne County on October 20, 1916 to the late Charles Staten and Lizzie Smith Davis. He graduated from Eureka High School and attended Wake Forest College.
During World War II, he served his country building Liberty ships at the Wilmington, NC shipyard. He was engaged in farming and livestock production for much of his adult life. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1989 after 31 years of service. Mr. Davis was a charter member and a retired fireman with the Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a former community leader with 4-H clubs.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Pauline Beasley Davis in 2000 and by his cherished daughter, Libby Davis Yelverton, in 2005. He is survived by a son, Charles Irwin Davis and his wife, Kay, of Bath, NC, son-in-law Mike Yelverton of Greenville, and a brother, Bernice Davis and wife, Esther, of Eureka, NC. His life was enriched by five beloved grandchildren: Scott Yelverton of Greenville, NC, Cindy Davis Farmer and husband, Michael of Holly Springs, NC, Paula Yelverton Main and husband, Greg, and Sarah Yelverton Pittman and husband, Cam, all of Winterville, NC, and Edward Davis and wife, Angela, of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Harrison Farmer and Elizabeth Farmer of Holly Springs, NC, Jadon Main, Madelyn Main, and Davis Pittman of Winterville, NC, and Christian Davis of Raleigh, NC. In addition, the family acknowledges a very special and devoted sister-in-law, Mary Alice Beasley Chapin of Washington, NC. A large and supportive extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews also join in celebrating the good deeds of his life.
Although a regular attendee at church services for most of his life, Mr. Davis’ commitment to following the religious teachings of his beloved wife led him in 2000 to become the oldest known member to join Mill Creek Christian Church at the age of 83 years. He attended services regularly as long as his health permitted and remained a faithful and supportive member until his death.
Graveside services will be conducted by the Rev. Jack Anglin and the Rev. Jerry Burton at the Beasley Family Cemetery on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 11: a.m. where Mr. Davis will be laid to rest beside his wife. The cemetery is located behind the Bentonville Community Building at 8200 Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks, NC. The body will lie in state at the grave site for the hour preceding the service. The family invites all friends and visitors to join them in a fellowship lunch hosted by the ladies of Mill Creek Church at the Bentonville Community Building following the service. The family will later greet friends at the family home place.
For those considering remembrances of Mr. Davis, the family respectfully requests donations in his name to the Pauline B. Davis Youth Camp Scholarship Fund at Mill Creek Christian Church, 747 Mill Creek Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524. Mr. Davis and his family created this fund in honor of his late wife to provide support for church youth to attend Christian Youth Camps and is a favorite charity of Mr. Davis.
Condolences by be made at www.westanddunn.com.
Funeral services are entrusted to West and Dunn Funeral Homes of Newton Grove.
Paid Obituary