Oscar Lelon Davis Jr., 93, died 10/20/2017 following several years of declining health. Born in Gaston County, N.C. the second of four children of the late Oscar L. Davis, Sr, and Ruth Lane Davis. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Wilhelmina Mascari of Asheville, NC, Betty Jo Lee of Shelby, NC and bother Jim Davis of Hickory, NC. He was also predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Rachel K. Davis of Franklinton, NC.
Oscar graduated from Mooresville High School and attended NC State University before entering military service. He returned to NCSU after his service to complete his textile education.
A veteran of WWII, he served in Europe with the 1/505 82nd Airborne in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded. At the end of the war he served on the honor guard to General Eisenhower at his quarters on Lake Wansea, Germany. Oscar was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, European campaign with 3 bronze stars, American Campaign, Victory WWII, Army Good Conduct, French Croix DeGuerre, Belgian Croix DeGuerre, WWII Occupation and the Sharp Shooter pin and of course the paratrooper wings.
Oscar met Rachel Kearney in Franklinton, NC. He worked with Burlington/Klopman Mills for 23 years, living in Newton, Asheboro, NC and in Rome, GA. Oscar retired from JP Stevens in Greenville, SC in 1989, having worked in management at Dunean and Monaghan plants. After retirement he enjoyed gardening and sharing his bounty with his neighbors. In 2014 Oscar and Rachel moved to Heritage Place in Fayetteville, NC. The family thanks the staff at Heritage Place for their love and care.
Oscar was active in civic organizations everywhere he lived, including The American Legion (past commander), Lions Club (past president), Boy Scouts and Church activities, holding numerous offices in the Methodist Church and various boards.
He is survived by his one son Oscar Lelon Davis III (Chip) and his wife Margaret of Fayetteville, NC. two grandsons, Kevin Andrew Davis and wife Krista of Wichita, KS and Matthew Lelon Davis and fiancée Caroline Gaona of Raleigh, NC, brother-in-law John Mascari of Asheville and sister-in-law Ann Davis of Hickory, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
A Graveside service will be held Friday at 1:00 pm at Fairview Cemetery in Franklinton, NC. A reception to celebrate his life will be held at the Franklinton American Legion Hut following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Organization, Cancer Fund or charity of ones’ choice.
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