William Larry Davis

On February 10, 2021, William Larry Davis met his Savior face to face. He was most surely greeted upon arrival by his parents Leon Franklin Davis and Clara May McCain Davis, who left this world way too soon. He left this world with his family at his side. He did not know who they were due to the evil Alzheimer’s disease, but they knew who he was.

After the passing of his parents, he and his adoring little sister, Linda Davis Sneed were tasked with taking care of each other, which they did very well. They both graduated high school and neither of them went to jail. Larry graduated from West Rome High School in 1959.

Larry was a very vocal opponent of the draft and was heard several times referring to himself as a “draft dodger”. As a protest to the draft, in June of 1959, he enlisted in the US Army rather than being drafted. He was prepared to be sent to Vietnam from California, but the Army thought he would be of better service in Alaska, so they sent him to Fairbanks fully equipped with jungle gear. He did not freeze to death and was Honorably discharged in June of 1962.

After securing a position with the Kraft Paper Mill so that he could properly support her, He married the love of his life, Linda Kay Horn in March of 1963. Nine months later, on January 2nd, 1964, Larry and Kay were blessed with his favorite child, Sonya Lavon. Three years later, the other one, Sharon Lee was born on April 13, 1967. No man was ever more loved and more aggravated by two little girls.

The girls, the favorite and the other one, were raised on the third pew on the left at Mt. Alto Baptist Church. Larry was a lifelong member there and his parents were one of the founding families. He served the church in many capacities, Sunday School Director, Training Union Director, and church treasurer. He was part of the choir for many years and occasionally led the music.

He spent the next couple of decades working hard and spending time with his family. They enjoyed camping and hiking. Larry and Kay, along with their best friends Brooks and Joyce Thrasher travelled many miles together exploring the USA on their Honda Goldwing motorcycles. Larry instilled into the favorite one, Sonya, his love of motorcycles. The other one, Sharon, could always be found holding the flashlight when he was working on the car. Larry also bought a boat and built a swimming pool for his family even though he hated the water.

The greatest joys of his life were his grandchildren. William Stephen Self (Lisa Culp) was taught the importance of a job well done. He was also taught electrical work, plumbing, carpentry and woodworking. Kayla Michelle Green (Chris Blackiston) was as aggravating as her mother and aunt, but Larry thought she was the most wonderful creature that ever lived. Each of his grandblessings was taken on a cross country road trip (at different times, because he was not dumb) and he and Kay had a wonderful time spoiling them rotten.

He retired from his job at the papermill after 41 years and really started working hard on the Honey Dew list that Kay had been keeping for all those years. They enjoyed being together, they were best friends and even after 50 years together, they still walked holding hands and laughing together.

Stephen and Lisa gave him his great-granddaughter, Peyton Emily. He thought she was remarkable and told anyone who would listen how smart she was. Peyton and Grandad had many adventures together.

Larry’s final moment of witnessed joy occurred on September 5, 2020. He met his great-grandson, William Briggs Blackiston. He laughed, smiled, and talked to Briggs and the entire family was happily together.

You may not remember us, daddy, but we will never forget you.

The family asked that in leu of flowers, donations be made to:
The Alzheimer’s Association alz.org

The staff of Salmon Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William Larry Davis.