Norman Davis SR

KINSTON - Norman Davis, 88, of Kinston, NC died peacefully on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Harmony Hall Nursing Home. He was a retired miller, farmer and mail carrier. Known by family and friends as a gentle compassionate man, he went home to be with his Lord after serving his country, his community and his Lord well. He served in WWII in the South Pacific Theatre, as a gunner's mate on the destroyer, the USS Mertz. He was a proud American who was always glad to meet other brave veterans. He actually witnessed the signing of the peace treaty at the end of WW II, because his ship accompanied the USS Missouri, where the treaty was signed by the American and Japanese officials. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Kinston, and also a member of the Pleasant Hill Masonic Lodge in Pink Hill.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother Ellis Davis and Beulah Whaley Davis and a brother, Roger "Six Spot" Davis and wife Grace of Deep Run. Survivors include his wife, Frances Wade Davis of 58 years at the home; a son, Norman Jr. and wife Kay of La Grange, a granddaughter, Holly Davis Gentry and husband Mark of Goldsboro, a granddaughter Dana Davis Thacker and husband David of Robbinsville, and five great grandchildren; Melissa, Andrew, Luke, and Anna Thacker of Robbinsville, and Scott Gentry of Goldsboro.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m., Friday, March 8, 2013 at Garner Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9th, 2013 at Garner Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmie Williams and Rev. Wayne Atkins officiating. Internment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America.