Howard Franklin Davis, Jr.

     After a long struggle with COPD, Howard F. Davis Jr. passed away on December 26, 2021, while in the loving care of his daughter, Marti Smith, at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Louise Davis and one great grandchild.  He leaves behind his son, William (Cheryl) Davis, of Maineville OH, and three daughters, Sandi (Anthony) DeRose, of New Richmond, OH,  Carey Davis of Hampstead, NC, and Margaret (Gregory) Smith of Burgaw, NC. In addition to his children, Howard is survived by sixteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

     Howard was born on August 6, 1928, in Newark, NJ to the late Howard Franklin and Margaret Harriet Davis (Fallon).  Howard grew up on a small family farm with his sister, the late Dorothy Grace, surrounded by aunts, uncles and many beloved cousins.  Howard joined the US Marine Corps. in September 1946 and served proudly in the South Pacific during World War II. He was discharged in September 1948 and was called back into service in 1950-1952 during the Korean conflict.  He graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Agriculture.  Howard married his first wife, Virginia, in 1954 and although the union wasn't permanent, they loved their children.  In 1969, Howard was in a serious motorcycle accident, and it was at Mercy Hospital, Mariemont, OH that he met his wife Delores, to whom he was married for 39 years.

     Howard  was a driven provider with an unmatched work ethic in sales, farming and electronics.  He loved his work as an E.M.&R and supervisor with General Electric and retired from the Wilmington NC facility after 32 years of service.  Howard was a banjo player, HAM radio operator (WA8TZV), avid sailor, motorcyclist and lover of all animals.  He loved the water, warm weather and teaching anyone who was willing to learn how to swim.  Howard, affectionately known as “grandpa”, by many,  was a kind simple man with bright blue eyes and a hearty laugh.  He enjoyed telling stories around the table, whistling tunes and playing a mean game of solitaire.  Howard impacted many lives and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

     Howard requested to be cremated.  As a military veteran and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary his ashes will be scattered at sea. A private memorial, for immediate family, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a unit donation be sent to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 054-10-06, 500 Windchime Dr.,Wilmington, NC, 28412, or made online at cgauxa.org                                       

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     A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

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