Etheridge Grey Davis

Etheridge Grey Davis, of Harkers Island, departed this earth on Friday morning February 6th 2015 at the age of 87, surrounded by his family, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House of Newport, NC.

Mr. Davis was born November 1, 1927 to the late Joe Cephas Davis and Sallie Benton Lewis Davis. He was born and raised in Harkers Island, North Carolina and attended Harkers Island Elementary/High School.

In 1945 he joined the U.S Coast Guard serving his country on active duty for almost three years pulling tours of duty in Curtis Bay, Maryland and Boston Mass. He served sea duty mainly in the North Atlantic aboard vessels; USS Covington, USS Groton, USS Abilene and Coast Guard Cutters Mendota; Campbell; Conifer and Agassiz in addition to pulling Lightship duty. Shortly, after honorable discharge from active duty Mr. Davis joined the Coast Guard Reserve in 1950 and was instrumental in helping the formation of a Coast Guard Reserve Unit in Morehead City along with John Lane Lewis, Joe Rose, D.G. Bell and Lester Willis. He retired on Nov 1st 1987 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the field of Port Security having served a total of 39 years.

While serving he was awarded the following in recognition of his honorable service to our Nation and the US Coast Guard:

American Campaign Medal

World War II Victory Medal

Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal

Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Star to denote second Award

Armed Services Reserve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass

Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck)

Honorable Discharge Button

He was very proud to be a "Coastie".

Mr. Davis or better known as " Eshie" as most would call him began a career in Civil Service with the Department of Defense in 1950 at Camp Lejuene as a packer earning $1.00 per hour. In 1954 he transferred to MCAS Cherry Point to the Engine Overhaul and Repair Facility serving as a wood worker. In 1958 he accepted a position as a wood worker in the Navy Supply Directorate aboard Cherry Point. He retired as a Woodworker and Packer Foreman Supervisor in 1985 after a distinguished career of 35 plus years.

While living on Harkers Island he was an original member who served and helped with the creation of the Harkers Island Fire and Rescue Department, serving in several capacities & positions. He also was elected and served on the Harkers Island Electric Membership Corporation Board of Directors and the Harkers Island Water Board.

Mr. Davis was a member of the Harkers Island United Methodist Church. In his earlier years he was very active in the church before declining health. His service to God and church included being an Usher, Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Youth Leader and served on many committees always willing to offer a helping hand and be one of God’s soldiers.

On February 28th 1947 he married his love, Urith Mae Gillikin of Otway of which they shared their life together for 63 years until her death. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He was truly dedicated to his family. He put his family before himself to make sure they were taken care of. As Christ was a giver of self and set the example he followed His example for his life.

Left to cherish his precious memories are one daughter Callie Ruth Davis Guthrie and husband Dennis of Harkers Island and two sons, Etheridge Travis Davis and wife Susan, Kenneth "Ken" Grey Davis and wife Melinda of Newport. In addition to his children he is survived by grandchildren, Shirley Lewis, Etheridge "Tommy" Davis, Rhonda Evans, and Barney Davis, and great grandchildren, Kendra Rhodes, Eden Evans, Farah Evans, Danielle Davis and Haley Peregoy. He is also survived by two sisters, Elva M. Johnson, Harkers Island, and Janice Fisher, New Bern. Sister-in-law Matilda G. Davis of Otway.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by two brothers Joe Neal Davis of Harkers Island and Johnnie B. Davis of Otway. Great granddaughter Bless Alexandra Evans (infant), Williston.

Visitation for the family to receive friends will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Munden Funeral Home, Sunday February 8th, 2015.

Funeral services will be held at Munden Funeral Home 2:00 P.M. Monday February 9th with Rev. Mitchell Parker of the Holly Springs Original Free Will Baptist Church, Nine Foot Road Newport and the Pastor Manley B. Rose,Jr., of the Harkers Island Refuge Fellowship Church offficiating. Burial will follow the service at the Vergie Mae Cemetery located on Harkers Island.

Memorials may be made to a charity or church of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mundenfuneralhome.net <http://www.mundenfuneralhome.net>

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., of Morehead City.