Henry Davis

Henry Lee Davis, 82, of Wilson, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on August 4, 2025 after a long and courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease. He faced every challenge with strength, grace and a resilient spirit that inspired all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 100 Green St, Wilson, Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Reverend Mike Frese, Senior Pastor and Reverend Charles Robl, retired Associate Pastor, presiding. A visitation will follow the service in Asbury Hall.

Born in Winston Salem, NC on August 29, 1942, he attended Mars Hill University where he met the love of his life, Sandra, to whom he was married for 60 years. He graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He began his career with the NC Department of Transportation in Eden, NC where his children, Todd and Amy, were born. Later, he transferred to Wilson, NC where lasting friendships were developed and special memories were made. He obtained his Professional Engineer license and transitioned to roles with increasing responsibilities during his career. After 30 years with the NCDOT, he retired at the age of 55 as a Structure Engineer overseeing projects from Raleigh to the coast. The highlight of his career was the completion of the Neuse River bridge project in New Bern, which included an intricate system of roadway, ramps, and bridges.

Henry was very active with the First United Methodist Church Volunteers in Mission and was an integral part of many international and local teams focused on construction-based projects to build or repair churches, construct wheelchair ramps or clean up from hurricane-related floods. He volunteered as a youth leader with the Appalachia Service Project summer work teams. He was also an active member of the Jaycees (in Eden and Wilson), followed by the Wilson Evening Optimist Club, to serve within the community.

Henry enjoyed many hobbies such as restoring classic cars, traveling with friends to a variety of places in and out of the country, attending car shows with his brother, going on motorcycle adventures, fishing with friends and grandchildren, planting his garden and spending quality time at Topsail Beach. However, his greatest joy came from memories with his 3 grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law. He treasured every moment with them and took great pride in their accomplishments, big and small.

Henry was preceded in death by his son, Todd Davis in 1994 and parents, Paul and Ruby Davis.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Griggs Davis; daughter, Amy Timberlake and husband, Mark, of Wake Forest; three grandchildren, Sydney, Todd, and Davis; and brother, Wade Davis and wife, Betty, of Chapel Hill.

Henry will be remembered for his kindness towards others, mischievous nature, unwavering integrity, and love for his family.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate caregivers who helped care for Henry with empathy and patience over the last year and a half and Hospice of Wilson who provided guidance and comfort during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be submitted online by clicking this link to the Todd Davis Endowment Fund or mailed to NC State University, Division of Academic and Student Affairs, Attn: Todd Davis Endowment, Campus Box 7301, Raleigh, NC 27695-7301; The Foundation YMCA of Wilson, 233 Nast Street, Wilson, NC 27893 to support the Parkinson’s exercise class.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 252-237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com