Orby "Poppy" Dean Davis

Orby Dean “Poppy” Davis, age 87, Erwin, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. He was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and son of the late Walter and Fannie Blevins Davis.

Orby was a United States Air Force Veteran having served his country honorably during the Korean War. During his time in the Air Force Orby was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He retired from NFS after several years of service. Orby was a member of Ninth Street Baptist Church.

He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. Orby was a song leader at many churches over the years. Orby enjoyed cooking and he made his delicious Mountain Dew cakes to share with others at church functions as well as family gatherings. He loved his family dearly and Orby was a devoted family man. He had a sweet, humble, gentle, and loving spirit. Orby or “Poppy” as he was affectionately called by all his grandchildren will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Orby is preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Orby leaves behind to cherish many precious memories, his wife of thirty-seven years, Phyllis Ann Silvers Davis; three children: Jeff Davis, Johnson City, Dennis Ray (Susanne), York, PA and Gail Slagle (Mike), Johnson City; his grandchildren: Ryne Davis (fiancé, Kayla Hylton), Cody Ray (Megan), T.J. Ray (Rachael), Michaela Slagle Saylor (Dusty), Hunter Slagle, Jake Smith and Mary Burchett; great grandchildren: Rylee Ray, Caleb Ray, Aurora Ray and Eden Ray; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Orby’s family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2022, at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Carl Connelly will officiate the 1:00 p.m. service to celebrate Orby’s life. Entombment will follow in the Evergreen Mausoleum. Military Honors will be rendered. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Starr, Dr. Moore, and the nursing staff at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center for the excellent care given to Orby.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Davis family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Davis family. (423) 743-1380.

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