December 21, 2020, 92, Pikeville
Ramon Leonidas Davis, 92, entered through the gates of heaven on Monday, December 21, 2020. Ramon was born in Pikeville, NC on August 19, 1928 to the late Lonnie and Carrie Perkins Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Mozingo Davis; and a son, Boyd Clark Davis.
Ramon was a student in the public school of Pikeville, graduating with the class of 1945 as third in the class of 60 pupils. From there, he attended Atlantic Christian College where he earned a Bachelors of Arts in Education. In 1958, he was awarded a Masters of Science in Education from East Carolina University, and went on to attain his Advanced School Administration certificate. Additionally, he attended Duke University studying nuclear biology.
Ramon met the love of his life, Lorraine Mozingo, and the two married in 1955. They spent a wonderful 48 years together until her passing. The two worked side by side raising their four children and being committed in the communities where they lived.
As a man of deep interests, Ramon pursued many career paths throughout his life. Early on, he worked as a carrier with the Goldsboro News Argus and as a farm laborer tending to cotton, tobacco, and vegetables. After graduation from Atlantic Christian, Ramon found his greatest passion in working with students in the public-school system.
Ramon’s tenure in the public-school system spanned 28 years, starting with his first school position as a science teacher at Beaulaville High School in 1949. After nearly a decade, he moved to Goldsboro Junior High School for a brief stint before returning to Beaulaville for another three years.
In 1963, Ramon became the principal at Wheat Swamp School in Lenoir County and continued as principal through the transition to North Lenoir High School. While serving as the leader of this school and raising his young family, Ramon recalled these years as the happiest of his life. In 1971, he became Superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools where he oversaw the county’s desegregation efforts in elementary through high school until his retirement in 1977.
During his retirement, Ramon kept active running an antique and gift shop as well as bike repair and sales for another 30 years. Recognizing a call into ministry, Ramon began his preaching ministry in 1975 and attended Lexington Seminary to receive his divinity degree. As a minister, he served in the Disciples of Christ Church as the pastor of Airy Grove Disciples of Christ from 1975 until 2006. Upon retirement, he stepped aside from the church he loved and found a new church home with Faith Fellowship Church in Kinston.
In 2010, he moved to Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Raleigh to be closer to his two daughters. Work continued for Ramon as he served as their preacher in residence—but more importantly as their stand-up comedian (eventually calling himself the “sit-down” comedian after he began using a walker). His way with words and ability to put a smile on your lips and a laugh in your soul took him all over Raleigh performing for the enjoyment of others.
A private service will be held by the graveside at Pikeville Cemetery.
Ramon is survived by his children, Ramon L. Davis, Jr., Wendy Lorraine Davis and spouse, Lynn Britt, and B. Joan Davis and spouse, Nancy Astrike; grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Emma Marie Astrike-Davis and Evan Charles Astrike-Davis; and his sisters, Hilda Davis Jennings and Carrie Davis Ponder.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army of Kinston, 2110 N. Queen Street, Kinston, NC 28501, The North Carolina Food Bank at www.foodbankenc.org, or to Art for Hospice at www.artforhospice.org. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home.
