Ralph E. Davis

Ralph E. Davis transitioned to glory on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN with his daughter, Ralonda, by his side. Ralph was born May 21, 1952 to the late Lundie (Thompson) Davis and Ralph Leroy Davis. He accepted Christ at an early age at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Mason, TN. He was an active member of Thankful Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee for several years, past chair of the Consecration Committee, a member of the Men’s choir, and an active member of the Brotherhood of Thankful. Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Glodine King Davis, on March 17, 1972. They have one daughter, Ralonda Davis. He earned a degree in Political Science and History from East Tennessee State University in 1975. Ralph worked for Eastman Chemical Company for 40 years until his retirement in 2017. Ralph was very active in the community and was dedicated to civil rights and social justice. He was a Charter member of the Umoja/Unity Committee where he was the past President. He was also the current President of the Johnson City / Washington County NAACP branch and the current NAACP State Conference Area Director for East TN. He formerly served as NAACP State Conference Vice President – East TN for almost two decades. He was appointed in 2006 by Governor Phil Bredeson to serve as a representative to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission and served until 2013. He was also a current member of the Johnson City Black and White Dialogue and the Johnson City / Washington County community roundtable. One of his greatest last achievements was persuading the city of Johnson City to name a portion of a major street after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Freddie Davis; two sisters, Delphine Davis and Connie Davis; and his dear loving wife of 45 years, Glodine Davis. He leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter, Ralonda; sisters, Sharon Adams; Sheila (Ronnie) Kelley; brother, Gregory Davis; his mother-in-law, Larue Albritton, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends who he loved dearly. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00pm Saturday July 20, 2019 at Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City. The body will lie in state at the church from 9:00am until 11:00am. Family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00pm at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at Washington County Memory Gardens In Johnson City.

Ralph E. Davis

May 21, 1952 - July 7, 2019