Ernest W Davis

Dateline: Southern PinesErnest Woodrow Davis Sr. Ernest Woodrow Davis Sr. of Southern Pines passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2019, in his home. Woodrow was born in Hoke County on September 17, 1919, to the late Ernest Jasper Davis and Mary Catherine Campbell Davis. He was preceded in death by five siblings. He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Charlotte Holt Davis of Southern Pines; a son, Ernest W. (Woody) Davis Jr. and JoAnne of Southern Pines; a daughter, Linda Davis Covington of Southern Pines; three grandchildren, James Edwin (Ned) Covington III and wife, Laura, Shannon Davis Viall and husband, Russell, and Bradley Davis Covington and wife, Laura; five great grandchildren, James and Matthew Covington, Ella, Gretchen and Norah Viall; several nieces and nephews. He was a member of the United Methodist churches in Raeford, Rockingham, and Southern Pines where he served in the life of the church through leadership roles with the mens groups and on various church committees. In recent years, you could find him every Sunday listening to the word of God through televised services in his favorite chair with his favorite person. Woodrow was a member of the Southern Pines Masonic Lodge #484 for 67 years, the Oasis Shriners of Charlotte and the Woodsmen of the World in Southern Pines. Through these groups he formed lifelong friendships and was able to serve his community helping children and families through various philanthropic events. As an avid outdoorsman, he spent his younger years enjoying baseball as a player, pitcher and coach. Fishing, hunting and golf were hobbies he loved with family and friends, especially when it involved teaching his son, grandsons and great-grandsons to fish. He loved spending time in his garden, caring for his horse, Cody, and enjoying family time with his great grandchildren. Woodrow began his distinguished career in the late 1930s with the US Forestry Service in Washington and Oregon. Upon returning to North Carolina in the early 1940s, he began a 37 year commitment to the North Carolina Division of Forestry. He served as a County Ranger, District Ranger, Regional Ranger and State Ranger, with a primary expertise in fire control. His strong background in construction lead to a leadership role in the building of the forestry training center in Linville Falls and many other forestry facilities throughout the state. While Woodrow was known for his work ethic and kindness, it is his love and devotion to his family that will be remembered and missed the most. From working long hours to support his family, to bringing Smokey the Bear to his grandchildren's birthday parties and building his great grandchildren a sandbox at the age of 96, Woodrow's greatest accomplishments can be seen in the best parts of those around him. Just months shy of his 100th birthday, Woodrow spent the last weeks of his life surrounded by family and friends. On one particular day, his nurse asked him what he wanted to do, to which he responded, "love my wife." Even with his memory and body fading, Woodrow knew what mattered most. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the Crumpler Funeral Home Chapel in Raeford. Burial will be in the Raeford Cemetery with Masonic rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or by phone at 910.695.7500 The family will receive condolences at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral Service

Saturday, May 11, 2019 4:00 PM
Crumpler Funeral Home
131 Harris Ave. Raeford 28376, United States

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