John William "Billy" Davis, 67, died Thursday, September 2, 2021 at his residence.On October 7, 1953, God blessed Caper W. "C.W." Davis and Jennie Lanier Davis with a son, John.

John, affectionately known as Billy to family and friends, grew up as a fun-loving practical joker; he had a great love for people and always wanted to make others laugh.

He was always friendly and never met a stranger, and would help anyone in need.People seemed to naturally be attracted to him because they knew that he would never turn them away if they were in need of food to eat and a place to stay.

He accommodated many people in Lexington who were down on their luck and helped them get back on their feet.This also included his children and grandchildren.

As time moved on he became a father to several children whom he loved dearly, and don't forget about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him Paw-paw Billy.His children also came with many friends who were always welcomed at the house anytime.

He loved to cook, which came natural to him from his mother, and he liked seeing others enjoy what he came up with.Of course, he claimed to have "the world's best barbecue sauce," that he would put on his fried and grilled chicken.He was also a "Foodie" and loved to come up with different ingredients and recipes to feed his family. He also had his own catering business for several years.

John was an entrepreneur in his own rights because he left the military to assist his father at Davis Auto Salvage.His father was pleased that he was able to put the skills that he had acquired in the military to good use, which included mechanics and the repair of heavy equipment.Later the business was named Davis and Son.So of course he had a passion for cars and also he restored a few that he sold. Billy would go above and beyond to help people get their cars back on the road and lots of times free of charge.He also owned a used car lot and a mechanic shop that he operated for several years.

He was always up to the challenge and he never stopped trying new things and taking bold risks because he started his own trucking company and had several employees who even drove a route all the way to California.

In the truck that he drove, he would stop in every state that he had family and make sure that he made his presence known.His CB handle was "blackjack".Family would invite him in to stay as long as he could and they would have good laughs and good times because Billy loved sharing some of his roadside stories.

After he stopped driving trucks, he still had a passion for traveling and seeing the country one mile at a time, so he started driving the Greyhound bus.It seemed that he liked being behind the wheel of a vehicle that's larger than life to show that he could conquer most anything.After leaving Greyhound, he would drive Charter buses to take people on vacations and trips where he had the opportunity of meeting people from all walks of life. He even drove the tour bus for several stars, including singer Chubby Checker, who he brought through Lexington to meet family and friends.

His love and laughter will be deeply missed because things won't be the same without him. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Davis-Zimmerman.

He leaves to cherish his memory three sons: John W. Davis, Jr. of Mt. Holly, NC, Kenneth O. Curlee of Charlotte, NC and Travares "T.J."Davis of the home; three daughters: Tracy Smith Bowens of Lexington, Letitia (Glenn) Williams of High Point, NC and Kanepris Davis of home; two sisters, Marilyn (Horace) Bowman of Lexington and Rev. Barbara "BJ" Davis of Lexington; 9 grandchildren: Marquita Smith, Brandon Smith, Bre'Ona (Adrian)Parker, Imani Bowens, Kendrick Curlee, Ti'Jai Davis, Ian Foreman, Kay'Leigha Davis and Na'Kaeyah Lowery and 9 great-grandchildren; two uncles, Major (Vennie) Davis and John "Geech" (Eva) Lanier; aunts: Jessie (Aubrey) Lucky, Betty Marshall, Sarah Reid, Louise (Samuel) Copeland, Peggy (Michael) McShaine and Frances Davis; a special friend, Michelle Abby Fullerand a host of cousins and friends.

Graveside service will be Thursday at Salisbury National Cemetery at 2:00pm.