Ralph Calvin Davis - 1925-2010
Ralph Calvin Davis, 84, of Decatur, Ga., formerly of Ashland, Ky., and Baton Rouge, La., died Wednesday morning, March 10, 2010 at his residence.
He was born July 19, 1925, to John Elmer Davis and Mary Virginia Brown in Wheelersburg, Ohio. He graduated from Wheelersburg High School in 1943 and joined the Navy immediately serving in the Pacific area during WWII. He learned his trade in the Navy, applied to Ohio State and was accepted but chose to work for Ashland Petroleum Co. in river transportation. In 1956, he was the chief engineer of the largest towboat ever seen in that era. He held U.S. Coast Guard licenses, tankers license and ended his career in Baton Rouge as supervisor of marine repairs for Ashland Oils Marine Transportation Department.
Ralph enjoyed woodworking, repairing cars his wife and son provided for him and solving mechanical problems. As a member of the trustees at First United Methodist Church in Ashland and Jefferson United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, he volunteered numerous hours repairing and analyzing mechanical problems within the churchs systems. He loved working with the youth in the church and joining them in activities gave him much pleasure before he lost his sight. He enjoyed outdoor activities of fishing, water sports, camping and occasional hunting.
Ralph was a member of the Propeller Club in Baton Rouge, American Legion Post No. 101593832 in St. Gabriel, La., and a was a Merchant Marine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Elmer Davis and Mary Virginia Davis; his brother, Frank Davis and his sister, Lucille Davis Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Lou White Davis; their son, Roger E. Davis and his wife Dr. Arden Dingle and their children, Addison Denise Davis and Amaris Devon Davis; and his loving nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2010 at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland by the Rev. Gene Pillow. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that tokens of love could be made to Jefferson United Methodist Church, 10328 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 noted Davis Memorial/Capital Campaign on check or VistaCare, 400 Franklin Road, Bldg. 400, Suite 200, Mariettta, GA 30067 and noted In memory of Ralph C. Davis.
Online condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com
