Raymond Davis

     Raymond Davis, age 82, of West Grove, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, December 22nd, 2023, at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. His wife, Rosemary Cheryl (Reid) Davis, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage, was lovingly by his bedside as he transitioned to the afterlife.

    Raymond was born on August 6, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA. He was the oldest son of five children. He was born to the late Raymond Davis and the late Mattie Little.  Ray had one brother (Albert Neal) and one sister (Norma Davis) precede him in death.  

     Ray graduated from Overbrook High School in 1959.  After graduation he enlisted and served in the United States Army where he was part of the 101st Airborne Division.  Ray was honorably discharged from his post with the military.  He was extremely proud of being a part of the Airborne group and consistently wore a hat or shirt with the 101st Screamin’ Eagles symbol pridefully displayed.  

     Ray was employed by PECO Energy Company. He worked as a maintenance supervisor at their Limerick and Peach Bottom facilities and retired after 30 years of service.

     As a young man, Ray enjoyed boxing so much that his friends called him “Sugar” Ray due to his hand speed and his enthusiasm for the “sweet science”.  He also was a good artist, liked building model cars/trucks/airplanes, and jigsaw puzzles.  He enjoyed do-it-yourself projects and anything he could get into to find use for the plethora of tools that he had in his workshop. As he got older and had kids, Ray could be found at sporting and music events for his two sons, proudly cheering and watching them perform.  He absolutely loved motorcycles and would profess that he was going to get another one, “one day”, almost daily.  Later in life, he loved being a grandfather.  Spending time with his grandchildren filled him with extreme joy, pride, and love.    

    Over the years Ray accumulated several nicknames.  As mentioned above, “Sugar” Ray was from his earlier days.  As his sons and their friends got older he would go on to be known as “Rayzor” by some, because of his sharp, tell it like it is responses and come backs.  Others referred to him as “Rawl” for the same reason.  Still over time, he was affectionately referred to as Pops among his sons and grandchildren.  No matter what you called him, Ray will be remembered for his strength (both physical and his ability to roll with the punches when life got  tough), his protective nature, and his sharp wit/humor.  

    In addition to his wife Cheryl, he is survived by two sons, Marc Davis and his wife, Michelle, of Troy, Alabama, and Jason Davis and his wife, Allison, of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren, Jason Jr., Braydon, Cameron, and Madalyn; two brothers, Rev. Robert Williams-Neal and his wife, Rev. Camille, of Louisville, Kentucky, and James Neal of Newportville, Pennsylvania; three nieces, Minister Tonya Belton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Andrea Williams-Neal of Alexandria, VA, and Robin Williams-Neal of Louisville, Kentucky; three nephews, Marcus Tunnell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Devon Williams-Neal of Louisville, Kentucky, and Colin Williams-Neal of Louisville, Kentucky; three great-great nieces, Maryyah Tunnell, Milan Tunnell, Miracle Tunnell; and his brother-in-law, Samuel Reid, Jr.

     You are invited to visit with Raymond’s family and friends from 10:00-11:00AM on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Episcopal Church of the Advent Chapel, 401 N. Union St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. His life celebration service will follow at 11:00AM. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the memorial fundraiser benefiting American Legion Post 491 Kennett Square in Ray's honor  https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/american-legion-post-491/9083/

     Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com