Davis
Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
He was born April 28, 1938 in Holly Ridge to Jim and Ora Davis and went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 in Shreveport after a hard fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Pauletta Davis; daughters, Rhonda O’Glee and husband, Donnie, of Sarepta; Janice Lea and husband, Danny of Springhill; Suzi Whitlock and husband, James of Anniston, Alabama; Kim Sievert and husband, Steve of Springhill and Carletta Bethany and husband, Eric of Walkers Creek, Arkansas; brothers, Nolan Davis and wife, Carolyn; Rex Davis and wife, Helen; sister-in-law, Bonnie Davis; grandchildren, Dustin O’Glee and wife, Kristie; Dane O’Glee and wife, Nicole; Kelli Jo Chanler and husband, Wesley; Kent Festervan and wife, Emily; Danny Joe Lea and wife, Melissa; Daniel Lea and wife, Nicole; Celia Whitlock; Jessica Owen; Lexi Sievert; Adam Sievert; Lauren Jones; Justin Bethany and wife, Caitlyn and Tyler Bethany; great-grandchildren, Kaylen and Lexi O’Glee, Tripp O’Glee, Kullyn Chanler, Brayson and Analyn Festervan, Sydney and Jaxson Lea, Mason Burns, Javen Smith and Thomas Worthy; special friends, Smiley and Shirley Nehls and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin Davis and Olan Davis; sisters, Syble Hale, Reba Powell and Carolyn “Cat” Smith and brothers-in-law, Joe Powell and Harmon “Hoss” Smith.
He was a building contractor for most of his life. The love for this trade was exemplified in the beautiful work he did. Many years ago, it was prophesied that his hands would be used to build the Lord’s house; therefore, he designed and built numerous churches and fellowship halls in the surrounding communities. Rather than payment, he considered many of these works as a labor of love for the Lord. He also built and remodeled homes. He always charged lesser rates because he considered this as part of his ministry of love to helping others.
He also worked for the International Paper Mill for 20 years. He was a charter member of the Open Door Fellowship and also served on the Leadership Team. He loved sharing his faith and love for the Lord with all those he came into contact with. He exhibited the fruits of the Spirit in his life – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
As a young man, he enjoyed training and riding horses – especially his pick “Golden Boy”. Later in life, he acquired a love for collecting antique cars. His favorite was a 1963 Corvette Stingray with a split window. It was shiney gold and in its original condition.
He had a small farm with his chickens, goats and donkey “Punkin.” He taught each grandchild all about caring for these animals. He even had the baby girls collecting eggs.
He loved his family and was so proud of each one of them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his eye and brought so much joy to him. And…they adored their “Papaw Ruel.” In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make memorial donations to the Open Door Fellowship, 808 Butler St., Springhill, LA 71075.
Serving as pallbearers will be his nephews; honorary pallbearers will be Smiley Nehls, Louis Hale and members of the Open Door Fellowship Sunday School Class.
Sign our online guest book at www.baileyfuneralhome.net