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Reverend Benjamin "Ben" Franklin Davis
Reverend Benjamin "Ben" Franklin Davis, 77, passed away
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at his home in Lawndale.

Born August 14, 1933, in Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Forrest
Andrew Davis, Sr. and Nettie Erma Morrison Davis.  His life was a
celebration of selfless and tireless humanitarian efforts to people of all
walks of life.  Through his counseling, teaching, and volunteer work, he was
an inspiration to all who knew him.  Raised on the banks of Cleveland Mills
and Power Company, Ben grew up learning about hydro electricity from his
father and enjoyed the adventures of spending time on the water.  He was an
Eagle Scout and had multiple interests in life which led him to N.C. State
University where he entered the engineering program.  While at State, he
played basketball under the guidance of the legendary Coach Vic Bubas.  He
received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of North Carolina
at Charlotte, an Associate in Arts Degree from Charlotte College and one of
his most coveted accomplishments was his Master of Divinity Degree from Duke
University.

In the Air Force, he was a member of the radar defense command and served
his country in Kuma-Jima during the Korean Conflict.

His career took him on many journeys which began when he returned to
Cleveland County in 1969.  He joined Dr. Richard Maybin's medical practice
in Lawndale where he was a counselor.  He was also a counselor for many
years with Shelby Mental Health Associates, helped establish Cleveland
Vocational Industries and served as the chair for Broughton Hospital's Human
Rights Committee.  Rev. Davis proudly retired from Gardner-Webb University
where he was the director of counseling services and adjunct professor in
the School of Psychology and Counseling.

His many awards include the WBTV Jefferson Award, an awards program that
honors the highest ideals and achievements in the field of public service.
He received the Carlos Young Mental Health Service Award for outstanding
volunteer contributions in mental health.  He served as president of the
Boiling Springs Rotary from 1991-1992.  He just recently received the
certificate of lifetime membership from Lawndale Masonic Lodge No. 486 and
previously received the veteran's emblem in recognition of 50 years as a
master mason.  He was a longtime member and was honored to serve as chaplain
of the Oasis Shrine Temple in Charlotte and South Mountain Shrine Club.
Rev. Davis was currently serving as commander of Lawndale American Legion
Post 302.

Rev. Davis was a member of First United Methodist Church Lawndale where he
enjoyed teaching Sunday school and cherished all the activities within his
church community.  He also served as guest pastor at St. Paul United
Methodist Church.

While his interests were vast, one of his greatest joys was hiking the
Appalachian Trail and he was instrumental in leading and organizing hikes
from Georgia to Maine.  He also loved sailing, playing cards, singing in the
church choir and was a devoted Duke Blue Devil fan. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Ann
Elizabeth Davis; a brother, Forrest A. Davis, Jr. and two sisters, Germaine
Davis and Fannie Lue Pritchard.

Survivors: his beloved wife of 50 years, Patsy  Bridges Davis; his loving
sisters, Mary Sue Davis Haag of Charlotte, Dorothy Davis Hoyle and husband
Paris of Shelby and  Sarah Davis Boggs & husband Norris of Fallston;
multiple nieces and nephews which were all extremely special to "Uncle Ben"
include Susan and Buddy Stone, Frank and Leslie Haag, Gary and Jo Boggs,
Rennetta and Steve O'Quinn, George and Laura Davis , Forrest and Becky
Davis, Ann Lee, Tom Pritchard, Vicki Hatley and Maebeth Boggs;  and a number
of devoted great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. 

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Sunday at
Stamey Funeral Home, Fallston.  A guest register is available at
www.stameyfuneralhome.com.  At other times,  the family will be at the home
of Norris and Sarah Boggs, 203 Spurling Road, Fallston.

Funeral Service: The funeral will be at 2:00 pm Monday at First United
Methodist Church Lawndale with Rev. David Hiatt officiating. Masonic and
military rites will follow the service.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriner's
Children's Hospital and Burn Center,  604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC
28262  or to First United Methodist Church Lawndale, c/o Betty Hord, PO Box
23, Lawndale, NC 28090. 

Arrangements by Stamey Funeral Home, Fallston.


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