James L. Davis, age 88, and a resident of Oak Ridge, died Thursday, Feb. 14, at Methodist Medical Center.
Mr. Davis was born on May 1, 1924, in the Fork Mountain Community in Anderson County. At the age of 17, (1942) during the height of World War II, he entered into the U.S. Navy and served his country until his retirement, at the Sanford, Fla., Naval Air Station, in 1964. During his career, he received several medals, citations, ribbons and accommodations, including the WWII Victory Medal.
Following his Navy retirement, he began employment at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, in 1967. He continued working at the space center until his second retirement in 1989. After his final retirement, he enjoyed living half of the year in Crossville and half of the year in Florida, until his final move to Oak Ridge in 2008.
He was an accomplished artist (oil paint), and he also enjoyed golfing and fishing.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel E. Davis; by a son, George Allen Davis; by his parents, Sam and Willie Foster Davis; and by a brother, Eugene Davis.
He is survived by a son, James L. Davis Jr. of Merritt Island, Fla.; by a daughter, Paula Fay Davis of Mittagong, Australia; by a sister, Sammie Ruth Wright of Florida; and by several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
The family received friends Tuesday, Feb. 19, between 1 and 2 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. Burial and graveside services followed at 2 p.m. at the Oliver Springs Cemetery.
Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.
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