Richard Barry Davis, 64, of Fletcher, died Monday, November 6, 2017 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late J.C. and Julia Griffin Davis. Barry was a graduate of east Rutherford High School, Appalachian State University and Gaston County Medical Transport Paramedic School.

He became interested in the field of rescue and EMS in his junior year in high school earning his First Aide certification and volunteering with the Forest City Rescue Squad. In 1974 he became one of the first EMT's in the state of North Carolina. In 1986 he was one of the first paramedics for Gaston Emergency Medical Services and in 1988 he was recruited to be the EMS director for Rutherford County. Over the next several years he received training from North Carolina Emergency Management Agency and UNC-Charlotte where he received his Emergency Management Certificate. His job title later changed to Emergency Services Director.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Delane Marsh; one sister Amy Davis Hudson of Forest City; one niece, one nephew, and two grand nieces.

A visitation will be held Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Crowe's Mortuary from 2PM until 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, 322 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Online condolences at crowemortuary.com

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the Davis family.