Fred William Davis

Arden Fred William Davis died September 6, 2005 after a short illness. Born at Averys Creek, Buncombe County, NC, on November 21, 1917, Fred was the first of eight children of the late Nola Taylor Davis and Robert L. Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Jessie Collins Davis. Fred is also survived by his children: Steven, Michael, Don and Amy; 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. While attending Berea College, Fred and Jessie performed with Red Foleys Renfro Valley square dancers. Following graduation in 1941, he taught vocational agriculture until he entered the US Army AASC and served until World War II ended. After the war, he returned to teaching and in 1948 became the head of the agricultural department at Wilkesboro High School. For many years, Fred worked in product sales in the agricultural industry. While with ConAgra, Fred traveled extensively throughout the US and Puerto Rico. Fred and Jessie retired to their beloved Buncombe County. Fred and Jessie were founding members of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Arden and have continued their devotion to the church. Together, he and his wife volunteered at ABCCM and participated in the Averys Creek Seniors Group. Fred is remembered and cherished for a keen sense of humor, quick wit, rich knowledge of genealogy, and community involvement. His was a life well lived. A celebration of his life will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3070 Sweeten Creek Road, on Friday, September 9, 2005 at 4:30 PM. The family will receive friends immediately following the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be made to New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3070 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.