Kenneth Ray Daves, age 83, of Boiling Springs, NC was called home to be with his Lord after a brief hospitalization at Carolinas Medical Center - Cleveland in Shelby, NC. He was the son of Oscar Daves and Madge Rollins Daves of Ellenboro, NC.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and a graduate of Appalachian State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees. He was a teacher and coach in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, serving in high schools, elementary schools, and at Gardner-Webb University before ending his career at Crest Middle School. He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants baseball organization and played professionally for two years before a career-ending injury. As a lifelong teacher and coach, he blazed a trail of laughter, sportsmanship, and maximum effort for countless players and students. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who provided his family with a treasured legacy of wisdom, enjoyment of every moment of life, and selfless love.

He loved farming, working in the soil with his bare hands, cultivating with tractors, working with various other heavy equipment, and training his bird dogs. He also loved dancing and claims to have introduced shagging to Paris, France, where he was stationed during his military service.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Cheyrl Arnold Daves; a son, Michael Daves (Jill) of Wynne, AR ; a daughter, Brandee Daves Rollins (Adam) of Ellenboro, NC; two grandchildren, Eden Rollins and Jeb Rollins; a sister, Mary Alice Smart of Ellenboro, NC; six nieces and one nephew; and his mother-in-law, Mildred Arnold of Boiling Springs, NC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Jerry Daves and Jimmy Daves; a sister, Carolyn Daves; and a half-brother, Jack Carpenter.

The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Boiling Springs Baptist Church, Boiling Springs, NC. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:45 in the Life Enrichment Center at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. The officiating ministers will be Dr. Jim Richardson, Rev. Keith McKinney, and Rev. Candy Wilson. Clay-Barnette Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Boiling Springs Baptist Church Bus Fund.