Dr. Russell Lewis Davis, Jr., 84, formerly of Radford, died on Feb. 7, 2020, in Henrico, Va., at Spring Arbor Assisted Living.
He was born in Rocky Mount, Va., on March 14, 1935, and was the son of the late Russell Lewis Davis, Sr., and Winefred Skinnell Davis. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Beverly Ann Davis, his only brother Bill Davis, and sister Emily Londos.
Russ graduated from Franklin County High School in 1953 where he served as Student Body President; VMI in 1957 where he served as class president; and the Medical College of Virginia in 1961. He was a family physician who practiced in Boones Mill, Va., for two years and then in Radford from 1964 to 2010. He was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church and served on the Radford University Board of Visitors from 1977-1985.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Betsy Naff Davis; their children, Lewis Naff Davis (Fran), of Radford; Steven C. Davis (Bonnie) of Wirtz, Va.; Jennifer Davis Garrison-Dean (Maurice) of Mechanicsville, Va.; and David Benjamin Davis (Greg) of Maidens, Va; grandchildren Catherine Rose Garrison, Olivia Grace Davis, Laural Duncan, Savanna Duncan, Ryan Wetzel (Morgan), Justin Dean, and Spenser Dean; sisters Julia Tye of Chesapeake, Va., and Katherine Rand (Mike)of South Boston, Va.
Also surviving are sisters-in-law Rebecca Green of Roanoke; Virginia Cooper (Gary) of Fort Mill, S.C.; Dr. Gretchen Naff of Charlotte; and additional family members Tom Tye of Chesapeake and Bob Stevens of Hayesville, N.C. His sisters-in-law Angelia Naff and Rosemary Stevens and brothers-in-law Shelby Green and Wes Naff died previously. There are many special nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond.
Russ enjoyed his practice of medicine and cherished the time spent with family, especially his grandchildren during his latter years. He also loved being with friends and enjoyed travel, photography, tennis, biking, reading, watching nature and wildlife programs and clearing farmland. The Little River was special to him and he spent much time enjoying its beauty.
The family is most appreciative of the good care and support of the staff and residents of Spring Arbor. A special thanks to his long time private caregiver, LaFonda Davis. Thanks also to Florence Eseh and the At Home Care & Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at Spring Arbor in Henrico with the Rev. Charlotte Evans officiating followed by a lunch to honor all who have helped the family during Dr. Davis’ long dementia illness. An interment of ashes will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Radford on a later date.
For those wishing to make a memorial donation, please consider the Virginia Military Institute Alumni Agencies, PO Box 932, Lexington, Va. 24450; Grace Episcopal Church, 210 4th Street, Radford, Va. 24141; or any charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to Betsy Davis, 9991 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico, Va., 23233 or 1957betsydavis@gmail.com.
