Obituary - Bobby Davis

Emmitt Robinson “Bobby” Davis, Jr., 84, was welcomed to life eternal on August 14, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. Bobby was born in Lenoir County to the late Emmett Robinson Davis, Sr. and Opal Garris Davis on October 26, 1939. In addition to his parents, he was reunited with his dear wife of 61 years, Nancy Jones Davis; son, Marty Davis; and sister, Marilyn Davis.

Growing up in Lenoir County, Bobby attended Moss Hill School where he was a star athlete, being selected by the Kinston Daily Free Press to the Lenoir County All-Stars basketball team in 1957. Upon graduation, Bobby continued his education and athletic career at Atlantic Christian College, where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and was named Intramural Athlete of the Year.

Beginning his teaching career in the fall of 1961 with a two-year stint at Corinth Holders High School, Bobby returned to his hometown in 1963 as a teacher and coach at Pink Hill School. The following year, Bobby transferred to South Lenoir High School, where he remained for forty-one years. Throughout his career, Bobby served the students as a teacher, coach, athletic director, administrative assistant, assistant principal, and principal. His coaching duties ranged from JV football and boys basketball to varsity boys basketball and baseball. Named conference coach of the year three times in baseball and six times in basketball, his teams also won two conference tournament championships in boys basketball, one district tournament championship in boys basketball, and four district tournament runner-up titles in boys basketball. In 1996, he was named Athletic Director of the Year. Outside of his coaching career in the public school system, Bobby also coached the sixteen-eighteen year-old Lenoir County Babe Ruth All-Stars in the World Series games held in Kinston and finished in third place.

The love of ball didn’t stop with Bobby; he passed his love down to his children and grandchildren. Year-round, they were playing ball of some sort, and Bobby was always there to cheer them on. Never missing a game for his children and grands, he also took time to show interest in whatever they were doing. From dance recitals and pageants to horse shows and ball games, Bobby was a constant support to his family’s activities.

With an inability to sit still and a desire to work hard, Bobby filled his time with activities he felt were beneficial. As a farmer and educator, Bobby started his days in the fields plowing, planting, or harvesting before working a full day at the school. When school was over, there was always a team to coach or a game to attend. While earning his Master’s Degree in School Administration, this was all followed with night classes at East Carolina University.

Bobby’s temperament at home and at school were very similar. Never one to raise his voice, he could get the desired result from his look and his talk. Respected by his children and his players, he was an influential teacher and coach who was never harsh and always inspirational. His heart for his players extended to those on opposing teams, as is evidenced by the respect he received from rival coaches and players throughout his life.

As a Rams Club member for 47 years, Bobby was a devoted Tar Heel who supported Carolina Football and Basketball no matter the season they were having. Along with his family's company, he was determined to make every game possible to cheer them on in person. While it was always good to be a Rams Club Member, the last year was better than the first forty-six, as he finally learned about the shuttle that transported members straight from the parking deck to the gate.

In later years, when Bobby retired from teaching and stopped farming, he still found ways to occupy his time at home. Always finding something to piddle on, he could fix just about anything with a piece of string or duct tape. He never saw a string or board he couldn’t repurpose. Neighbors at the beach knew Bobby likely had anything they needed and would often show up to his garage, also known as “Davis’s Hardware” to get whatever they needed.

Growing a garden large enough to feed Moss Hill, Bobby spent much time caring for his vegetables. Always willing to share in his bounty, many received the blessing of vegetables from his garden. With an equal love of flowers, he was a large supporter of local nurseries, purchasing flowers for his home from the time they opened until they closed for the season. Also known for his elaborate Christmas decorations, Bobby created a “Winter Wonderland” for his wife every year, always looking to add just one more piece to perfect his display.

While Bobby’s love for the game and for the land were colossal, they paled in comparison for his love of family. He was most proud of all his girls. His care was evident in the time he spent with them, the love he offered, and the compassion they felt. Bobby and Nancy did everything in their power to ensure the happiness of their children and grandchildren. From his membership in the Rams Club to potentially ease Mellany’s homesickness in college, his Winter Wonderland creations for Nancy, to approving “driver’s licenses” for his grandchildren to drive the golf cart, his every thought was centered around how to best show his love to his family.

A service to celebrate and honor Bobby’s life will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Munn Gymnasium on the Emmitt R. “Bobby” Davis Sports Complex at South Lenoir High School. The family will receive friends following the service. A service of committal will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Bobby is survived by his three daughters, Mellany Davis, Mia Heath and husband, Jamie, and Millicent Sanderson and husband, Petey; three precious granddaughters, Allyson Heath, Meredith Sanderson Kornegay and husband, Trey, and Macy Sanderson; sister, Effie Ann Price and husband C.C.; granddog, Rudy; along with a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to the Bobby Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Checks may be made to the Bobby Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Southern Bank Attn: Jo Ellen Sloan PO Box 126 Deep Run, NC, 28525. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.