Roland Davis
Edward Roland Davis, 96, of Samburg passed away Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Signature Healthcare in Ridgely.
Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Samburg Assembly of God Church.
Family visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with public visitation from 10-11. The funeral service will begin at 11. Burial will immediately follow at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Troy.
Pallbearers will be Kelly Bartlett, Johnny Moore, Kevin Crider, Lukas DeWeese, Kyle Homra and Robert Griffin.
Mr. Davis was born in Obion County on June 27, 1930, to the late Marion Davis and the late Drucy Warix Davis. He married Carolyn Gooch Davis on Nov. 18, 2012. She survives. He attended school in Hornbeak. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Navy where he served during the Korean War on two aircraft carriers, the USS Valley Forge and the USS Leyte.
He completed his GED in 1975. In 1994 he became certified as a Level 1 & Level 2 HVAC technician and operated his own HVAC business for many years. Mr. Davis was well known on Reelfoot Lake where he enjoyed duck hunting and fishing. He was an active member of Samburg Assembly of God Church where he and his wife participated in many of their ministry and senior citizens activities regularly.
In addition to his wife Carolyn, Mr. Davis is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Shelby Grimes of Union City and Beth and Kelly Bartlett of Ridgely; four grandchildren, Kimberly Crider (Kevin), Kesha Fay Grimes and Carter and Nolen Bartlett; two great-grandchildren, Peyton DeWeese (Lukas) and Paxton Crider; and three great-great-grandchildren, Ellie, Ila and Ford DeWeese.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Inez Applewhite Davis; four sisters, Mimmie Bell McCollum, Beanton Davis, Ava Robinson and Pauline Keith; and four brothers, Wayne, Marion and Hershall Davis and Clay Morton.
The Messenger/updated
Rest in Peace. You hold a special place in my heart. Christ be with you, you are with Inez again.
I’ve known Roland for over 25 years. I have fished and the duck hunted Reelfoot lake numerous times and sat many hours visiting with him and sharing war stories being that we were both Veterans I’m heartbroken but realize how blessed I’ve been to share in the life of Mr. Roland. RD was a man of character and integrity. If he told you something you could bet your life on it Mr. Roland was old school, but always open to love anyone. He had an infectious smile and a laugh that was recognized above the crowds, he was a big man with even a bigger heart, and I am one blessed man to have known and loved Mr. Roland Davis. My condolences to the family and many friends of Roland.