William Alfred (Bump) Davis, Jr., the son of the late William Alfred Davis and Alma Thomas, was born on October 3, 1943. He slipped quietly away on Friday January 25, 2013 at Kindred Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

William was reared in Washington County. He joined Second Zion Grove Misssionary Baptist Church at an early age. Upon graduating from high school, he married hsi high school sweetheart Miriam M. Brooks, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961, where he began a career that lasted 30 years. He was a devoted husband and father, who doted on his family and provided a very caring and nuturing environment for his wife and children. This tradition spilled over to his grandchildren and great-grand child as they became a part of the family he adored. His love and adoration for his wife, even though he was ill himself, provided the strength and endurance he needed to stay by her side as she fought and lost her battle with cancer on June 28, 2012.

"Bump" as he was affectionately known, possessed a multitude of talents. His wood craftmanship was enjoyed by many as he created numerous art forms that were displayed throughout the community. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, grilling, and just hanging out with family and friends. He was a "jack" of all trades in every sense of the word.

During his military career, "Bump" and his family traveled extensively, both state side and overseas. He served in many places including South Dakota, Texas, Missiouri, Hampton, VA., Thailand and Germany. During his tenure specialities included: Combat Eng. Senior Sergant for 11 years 11 months; Combat Eng. Sgt./First Sgt. for 5 years 6 months; Drill Instructor/ROTC for 6 years 4 months; Construction Engineer Supervisor Instructor for 1 year; Construction Equip. Rep for 1 year 7 months. Decorations and medals include: Overseas Service bars-4; Army Commendation Medal W/3 OLC; Overseas Service Ribbon-4; Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal Medal (8th Awd.); NCO Professional Development Ribbon-4. His military education includes U.S. Army Sergants Major Academy 21 weeks; NCO Course 4 weeks; and Projectionist Course- 1 week.

His active duty ended with retirement on September 30, 1991. Sgt. Major William A. Davis, Jr. decided that he was not retiring to be idle. Months after leaving military service, he began working security for Wackenhut at Weyerhaeuser Company. This employment lasted from 1991 until 2003. In September 1996, he was employed as an Correctional Officer for the NC. Dept. of Corrections. He retired in November 2005.

"Bump" was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alma Davis, and his wife of 47 years, Miriam M. Davis. He leaves to cherish his precious memory: stepmother- Addie Davis -Edenton, NC; two sons- William A. Davis, III- Suffolk, VA., Dyvae Davis- of the home; six daughters- Deanna Davis- of the home, Patricia Davis- Richmond, VA., Alma Davis- Durham, NC., Nicole Davis, Crystal Hill, Rachael Davis-Plymouth, NC; three brothers- Willie Davis- Plymouth, Walter Davis- Plymouth, Ronnie Davis- Greenville, NC; step brother- Ken Jones; sisters- Evelyn Moore- Plymouth, Carolyn McNeil- Plymouth, Deborah Shepard- Plymouth, Otessia Wiggins- Manassas, VA., Atiyah Spencer- Cary, NC., step sister- Donna Jones- Edenton, NC; fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, one aunt- Shirley Thomas- St. Louis, Mo., two sisters-in-law Joann Boyd- Plymouth, Delinda Downing- Plymouth and a dear devoted friend George Norfleet of plymouth and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held 11:00AM Friday February 1, 2013 at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ with Elder Freddie Hyman officiating. Burial followed in Ellis Lee Cemetery.