John Rayford DAVIS

McMinnville resident and Cannon County, TN native John Rayford Davis, age 89, was born March 3, 1923 and died April 2, 2012 at TN State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, TN following an extended illness. A retired editor for the Southern Standard, United States Army veteran of WWII, past Commander of VFW Post 5064, publisher of the VFW State Newsletter and member of the Central Church of Christ, he was the son of the late Shelah and Lemona Mitchell Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by step-mother, Agnes Orrick Davis and three step-brothers, Leon, Joe and Willard Orrick. He was married November 24, 1949 to Hannah Greene Davis of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter, Maleesa Jan Davis of McMinnville; step-brother, Everage Orrick and wife Betty of Indianapolis, IN; sisters-in-law, Cornelia Orrick, Louise Green, Joyce Pirtle, Melba Griffith and husband Jimmy, Linda Davenport and husband Jerry, and Kaye Worzek all of McMinnville; brothers-in-law, Johnny Greene, G. B. Greene and wife Suzi, and Fred Greene and wife Faye all of McMinnville and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2012 in High's Chapel with Ben Bailey and James Dillon officiating. Burial followed in Salem Cemetery with full military honors administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Memorial contributions may be made to Pacesetters c/o High's.