Ralph Elroy Davis, Sr., age 99, of Shallotte and formerly of Whiteville died Sunday, June 7, 2009 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born September 3, 1909 in Whiteville, the son of the late Roy and Lula Taylor Davis. He was also predeceased by his wife, Elneta Ikner Davis; grandsons, Ralph "Ralphy" Davis and Timothy Benton; and son-in-law, Ken Bursell.

Surviving are his children, Ralph Davis, Jr. (Diane) of Burgaw, Betty Davis Barotti (Jim) of Merritt Island, FL, Martha Davis Bursell of Whiteville and Nancy Davis Britt (Clayton) of Leland; nine grandchildren, Danny Fairfax, Donald Fairfax, Douglas Fairfax, Jimmy Bursell, Rachel Harden, Connie Hickman, Kelli Wells, Sharon Kauffman and Matthew Britt; twenty-two great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren.

Mr. Davis, a true self-sufficient Southern gentleman, was a devoted husband and diligent daddy, granddaddy, brother, friend and good neighbor. He taught his children independence, integrity, sincerity, and how to laugh. In his younger years he enjoyed farming, fishing, gardening, writing poetry and being a master at carpentry. Knowing Ralph with his outgoing personality brought sunshine into your life and joy to your day. Our lives are blessed and enriched to have walked with Ralph on his life's fruitful journey.

Graveside funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Shallotte, with the Rev. Danny Fairfax and the Rev. Douglas Fairfax officiating.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.