Cecil Vernoy Davis

Cecil Vernoy Davis, (also known as 'Vernon'? to many of his friends), age 70, of 2907 Newton Street, Johnson City, died Sunday, February 1, 2009 at his residence following a long illness. He was a native of Miller, Arkansas, son of Lena Marie Bradford Davis and the late Cecil Elija Davis. Cecil was an experienced welder and had worked many years for Fluor Daniel. His career as a long haul truck driver spanned 30 years, millions of miles on the road and he was especially proud that he owned his own rig and was self employed his last six years. Cecil served in the Arkansas Army National Guard Co B 875th Engr Avn Bq as a PFC, was a longtime member of the Rhea Masonic Lodge #47 F&AM, Jonesborough . He was also a longtime member of the Keystone Free Will Baptist Church and had served many years ago as a Deacon and youth leader. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Ralph Orin Davis and a brother-in-law, Leo Todd. Survivors include: his best friend and wife of 49 years, Shirley F. Anderson Davis of the home; his mother, Lena Bradford Davis, Heber Springs, Arkansas; three children, Cecil David Davis and his wife Becky of Knoxville, Gary Davis of Jonesborough, Janet Righi and her husband Joe of Johnson City; eight grandchildren, Brandon (and Gina) Davis of Knoxville, E4 Specialist, James Patterson of Johnson City (currently serving in the U. S. Army in Afghanistan), Nick Patterson of Johnson City, Jacob Davis of Jonesborough, Katelyn Wilhoit of Johnson City, Chad (and Janie) Righi of Johnson City, Brittany Gonzales of Johnson City and Kristen Righi of Johnson City; a great grandson, Hayden Righi; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Marie Todd, Janis and Mike Landers all of Heber Springs, Arkansas; two brothers and sisters-in-law, L. J. and Kaye Davis of Clinton, Arkansas, Jim L. and Reba Davis of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the South Chapel of the Morris '' Baker Funeral Home under the direction of Rev. Bill Greer and Rev. Nathan Jennings. Special music will be provided by the Keystone Free Will Baptist Church Trio. The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until time of service at eight. A committal service will be conducted on Friday, February 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Washington County Memory Garden Mausoleum. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Morris '' Baker Funeral Home to leave in procession by 10:30 a.m. Active pallbearers will be: grandsons and nephews. Memorials may be made in the form of contributions to: the National Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee, Blountville, TN 37616. The family wishes to express thanks to: the Johnson City Dialysis Center staff, the Johnson City EMS (especially Nikki and Kim) and the Caris Hospice.