Dr. Charles Leo Davis

Dr. Charles Leo Davis of Kinston passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Dr. Davis was born in Kinston on November 7, 1929, to Josie Quinn and Glendon Davis. He proudly served his country during the Korean War, and after his military service, Dr. Davis took advantage of the GI Bill to further his education. Charles received his BA Degree from Atlantic Christian College (Barton), his MA ED from East Carolina University and his PHD in Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He then continued his lifelong love of education in Snow Hill as a band and history teacher. In 1961, he and his family moved to New Bern where he took the job as a principal at Eleanor Marshall Elementary School and Trent Park Elementary School. Later he had the opportunity to accept a job as the Assistant Superintendent of the Kinston City School System. He was Assistant Superintendent of Fayetteville City School in charge of Federal Programs. After his retirement in North Carolina, Charles accepted a job in Kingstree, South Carolina as the Director of Federal Programs for the Williamsburg County school system. Upon his retirement from the South Carolina school system, Charles and his wife, Doris, moved back to Kinston where they made their home. 

Dr. Davis was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-three years, Doris Braswell Davis, his parents, Glendon and Jose Quinn Davis, and step-father, Marvin Millinder, also his two sisters, and special brothers-in-law, Thelma Davis Meeks (JC), June Davis Etheridge (Van B.) all of Wilson. 

He is survived by his son, Gordon Davis and wife, Lisa of Burnsville; grandson, Seth Davis and wife, Claire of New Bern, as well as great-grandson, Noah; nephews, Van Dale Etheridge and wife, Erny of Elm City; nieces, Carol Etheridge Tomlison and husband, Wade of Belhaven and Jan Meeks Gray and husband, Randy of New Bern along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, also Angela Garris of Kinston who was his friend and caregiver for eight years. 

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson. Interment followed in Maplewood Cemetery, Wilson. Chaplain Seth Jones officiated. 

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.