Frank Potter Davis

**Family has requested that in lieu of flowers they prefer donations may be made to HR3 Hospice, or if you insist on sending flowers, please send them directly to the funeral home and not to the families home as they are asking for privacy during this time of loss.

Autryville

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart: For God has already accepted your works…  Ecclesiastes 9:7

Frank Potter Davis, 88 of Camden South Carolina, died of natural causes surrounded by his family at his home on December 30,2023.

Frank was born in Kershaw County in 1935 to Harvey Robert Davis & Nellie Arrants Davis as the last of five children. He was well known as his mother’s baby, but he was also his father’s boy both of which built him into the driven, tough as nails with an empathetic touch man he grew into.  These core traits served him well throughout his life as a son, brother, husband, father, friend, preacher and professional.

He attended Mars Hill University & Furman University studying the theology of the Bible; received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina in Columbia; and later attended North Carolina State University where he received a Master of Public Affairs.

Frank served as a Baptist Minister for over 60 years, and over 30 of those years were served at Concord Baptist Church in Autryville.  He also became a Probation Parole Officer in 1969, specializing in substance abuse.  He was promoted to Unit Supervisor in 1974 in Cumberland County and worked there until 1995 when he was selected to serve as the Judicial District Manager for District 16A which was comprised of Hoke and Scotland County.  He retired in 2006 and received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Michael F. Easley.  This award is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state.

Frank Davis had an exemplary life, with dual, successful careers but he truly shined when it came to family.  He always put his family first, be it his mother, father, in-laws, siblings, wife, children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren… he loved his family and strived to support, guide, help, love them all.

Frank met the love of his life, Glenda Baker in 1963 while he was serving as the pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Bethune, South Carolina.  Little did he know Glenda had already set her sights on him before he asked her out.  Their relationship was a fairytale, and their engagement was blessed by the whole congregation from the beginning. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on June 21, 1964.

Frank and Glenda had three children and added one more when they adopted their niece, when her father, Glenda’s brother, died; Frank is survived by Frankie Harvey Davis, April Davis Railey (spouse-D. Eward Railey), Shannon Lea Capps, Crystal Baker Edge (spouse-Damon Warren Edge Sr).

Frank’s grandchildren were the “apple of his eye”:  Amber Brosius (spouse-Joshua Brosius), Taylor E. Railey (spouse-Jacquiline Mangahas), Davis Railey, Hunter A. Capps, D. Warren Edge Jr., Christian Edge, Cassondra Edge

As if grand children were not enough, Frank adored his Great Grandchildren too:  Liam Brosius, Evelyn Brosius & Laila Edge

Anyone who knew Frank would know he loved his dogs.  He trained bird dogs for years, enjoyed hunting with them and had many he loved dearly.  But it was a sweet, totally destructive Brittnay Spaniel puppy he got when he retired that truly stole his heart.  Bodie was Frank’s buddy who, luckily, outgrew the destructive puppy stage, into the best emotional support dog a man could have.  Sadly, Bodie passed a few years before Frank, but not before fathering a couple of sweeties named Mercury and Gaga.  They were a comfort for Frank until the very end… and we don’t know about you… but we imagine that Bodie was the first one waiting for Daddy in heaven (can it truly be called heaven without dogs?)

Frank had many friends over the years, but the sad part of living a long life is having to say goodbye to so many friends before you leave, which he did.  We know Moose, Sim, Robert, Joe, his bothers and many more friends must be planning a fishing trip right now.

Frank loved to hunt quail, fish, and watch NC State play basketball but his most favored hobbies would probably not sound like fun to many.  Working in the yard, planting flowers, and working on small projects was what he loved and being out in the world God created was the best thing he could ever imagine.  He enjoyed being in the yard daily until his strength would no longer allow it.

Daddy (Frank) will always be remembered for his steady temperament, kind heart and the way that he lent a hand to those in need. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “If there is anything you need, you just let Daddy know… ok?” and wish we could hear it just one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better Father/husband and will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

At this time the family is asking for privacy as we grieve and heal together.  A small, private service will be held for family members.

In lieu of flowers family asks that donations be made to Hospice (HR3). Your symbolic donation would be greatly appreciated.