Eddie Davis

Edward Franklin Davis, III (85), of RoEllen, Tennessee, passed away on August 14, 2022, peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. His life will be celebrated at a Burial service on Wednesday, August 17 at 10:00 am at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church officiated by Reverend Gary Meade. Friends and family are invited to share their condolences at a reception at 11:00 a.m. following the service in the Parish Hall.

Eddie was born October 9, 1936. He attended Castle Heights Military Academy, where he was a MidSouth Champion wrestler and Company Commander his senior year. He later attended the University of Arizona and the University of Tennessee, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He served with and was granted an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force Reserve. Eddie was the previous owner of Eddie Davis LawnCare, a partner in the RoEllen Gin Co., Rio Vista Gin Co. in Texas, Davis Farms, and Davis Sausage Company. Eddie was also a skilled horseman and an active member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA).

Eddie was known for his positivity, even in his golden years, saying he felt “pretty good for a young fella” and responding to any questions with “good deal, Lucille!” The best compliment he could give was, “I like the way you work.”  His life was his family and his work; he exuded kindness and humility and was adored by all who knew him. 

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Franklin Davis, Jr., and Hazel Joslin Davis, and sister, Peggy Davis Shipman.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dudley Weaver Davis; son, Edward Franklin Davis, IV (Christa); daughter, Elizabeth Chandler Davis Laws (Andrew); grandchildren, Catherine Elizabeth Davis, Hunter Bowman Davis; Edward Knox Laws, and Robert Latham Laws; his brother, James Joslin Davis; his niece, Ann Shipman Hearron; and two nephews, James Henry Shipman, and Thomas Hunt Shipman.

Honorary Pallbearers include Murray Hudson, Joe Rankin, John McNeely, Jim Horner, Michael Burke, Billy Walker, Hunt Shipman, and Dudley Lee.

Memorials may be given to Matthew 25:40 or St. Mary’s Church, Dyersburg, Tennessee. The Davis family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Michael Burke, Paul Davis, Dr. Kurt Tauer, Diane Mayberry, Tim Campbell, James Hardy and the wonderful nurses and assistants with Tennessee Quality Care.

Funeral services are under the direction of Curry Funeral Home.  We are privileged and honored to serve the Davis family.  You may share your condolences and your memories with the family at www.curryfuneral.com.