Richard Marlin Davis

Elder Richard Marlin Davis, 74, of Savannah, passed away Friday, July 22, 2022, at his home. He was a devoted husband, faithful servant of God, loving brother, proud veteran, beloved grandfather, and thoughtful friend to so many. He was the son of Bertha and Marlin Davis of Garden City, and an ROTC graduate of Groves

High School, class of 1966. He was a member of the U. S. Army “Big Red One” Division and served in Vietnam. He worked night shifts at Union Camp while attending classes at Armstrong State College. After graduation, he continued his theological studies with the Primitive Baptist Foundation. Richard worked in the Traffic and Purchasing departments at Union Camp/International Paper, retiring as Senior Purchasing Agent after 33 years. He also served as minister of Primitive Grove Primitive Baptist Church in Metter for more than 40 years and of Sunlight Primitive Baptist in Cobbtown for over 30 years. He was active in the Primitive Baptist area conference and state organizations, serving on multiple committees, including the Bible Study Literature Committee for 37 years, writing a series of church-related materials, conducting revivals and filling pulpits for minister friends around the state. He also studied with and was a mentor for the students of the Pastoral Growth Development Program.

Richard’s life was filled with his family, friends, serving God and helping others. He volunteered at his grandchildren’s schools, attended every concert, ballgame and school event possible, including their graduations and his granddaughter Madeleine’s William and Mary volleyball team games in Virginia, South Carolina and Florida. He took the children on family trips to Disney World and to NYC at Christmas time. He and Vicky enjoyed traveling and made trips to London, Paris, Rome, Canada, Alaska and other places on their “bucket list.” As the official family photographer, his Facebook page is filled with photos of friends and family, with lovely flowers, beautiful music, support for veterans, comforting scripture and some really corny jokes, which we couldn’t help but laugh at. He was the first to celebrate with you and the first to hold your hand to comfort. He joined many in holy matrimony and ministered to us at funerals. His prayers were genuine and blessed all meals, every gathering, and brought comfort to us when suffering. His last Facebook posting read: “Peace I leave with you, Peace I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Marlin and Bertha Davis, and his first wife, Shelia Brown Davis. He is survived by his wife Vicky Hall Davis, his uncle Roy Davis (Shelba) of Pembroke; his brother Raymond Davis (Terri) of Guyton, and sisters Martha Davis Daley of Faulkville and Sandy Davis of Pooler; Vicky’s children Suzanne Smith Bertz (Brett) of Atlanta and Wayne Smith of Savannah; his beloved grandchildren, Madeleine and Sander Bertz of Atlanta and London and Claire Smith of Savannah, as well as his large family of cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and his wonderful church families. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date. Remembrances may be made in Richard’s name to Primitive Grove Baptist Church, 15125 Canoochee Road, Cobbtown, GA 30420. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. . . .enter into the Joy of thy Lord.”