Willie Howard Davis, Jr.

Willie Howard Davis Jr passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Duke Hospital.

 Willie was born on January 18, 1938, in Warren County to Virgie L. Christmas Davis and Willie Howard Davis, Sr. He attended Warren County Elementary and John R. Hawkins High School. In his youth, he enjoyed climbing trees for fruit and leading his sister, Sarah, through many adventures. As a child, he learned to drive on his father’s lap. Driving became a passion and was his favorite mode of transportation. He loved driving through many states visiting friends and family. At the age of 17, he traveled north with his Mom and settled in Camden, NJ. He learned to sew and became an excellent tailor and own many sewing machines. He improved those skills later in life with Eli at Eli’s Tailoring in Camden, NJ.

 Willie married Alice Louise Pugh on February 1, 1961, and from their union, they had two daughters, Virgie, and Cynthia. Through hard work and perseverance, he found employment with the Philadelphia Inquirer and Rochester’s. He retired from the respective jobs in 2003. Post-retiring, he became a school crossing guard until his return to Durham NC.

 In 2006, Willie returned to Durham to live closer to his Mom’s residence and his sister Sarah.   

Willie was predeceased by his wife, Alice Louise Reynolds, his parents, brother, Larry Christmas, great friend, John Wayne Evans and stepson, Tyrek Lamar Connor, brother-in-law Arthur Sr, and nieces Wanda and Tara Patterson. Left to cherish his memories he is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Davis, Virgie (Kenny Sr.) Walker, Grandchildren, Kenny Jr (Kadeejah) and Anez (Brandon) great grandchildren, Kenny 3rd and Kenji.   Sister, Sarah Lyon, niece Alice, Nephews, Arthur Jr, (Stephanie), Jarvae (Connie), Artintus (Pam) and Marty, loving neighbor, Chris, and special friend Ms. Peggy Vincent.

 Willie was known for fashion and his outgoing personality could draw people and want to be around him. He developed many relationships that eventually became family to him. This includes Shirley, Lorraine, Dot, Kym, and the Jones family, the Isley, Evans, and Thompson families, Ms. Shirin. Ms. Karen. Bob and Chad Hicks, Becky Fragnita and the entire Triangle Area VW Club.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Hudson Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.