Gora Davis

Gora Davis, 93 of Steeles, formerly of Verner, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his loved ones waiting for him in heaven, on Saturday, June 26th, 2010, from his residence, following a long illness.

Born on December 31, 1917 at Verner, he was the son of the late Jess and Ocie Browning Davis.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Melda Runyon Davis; an only daughter, Patty Jane Davis Vinson; two sisters: Lola Lester and Bessie Tendale; four brothers: Oscar, Ora, Aubra, and Ezra “Red” Davis; and a special aunt, Bessie Davis.

Gora was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, step-father, step-grandfather, step-great grandfather; brother, uncle, and friend. He was a disabled coal miner and the former owner and operator, for 31 years, of the Starlite Drive Inn. He was a charter member of the Verner Community Church, which was organized on January 29, 1950, serving as a Deacon, the church treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. He was also a member of the Verner Quartet. He was an honorary member of the Pads Fork Freewill Baptist Church at Steeles for the last 13 years. His wonderful smile and his loving and kind ways will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to love and cherish his memory and to carry on his legacy include his grandson, Todd Vinson and wife Alane of Leonardtown MD; his son-in-law, Harry Vinson of Gilbert; his two sisters: Hallie Hatfield of Man and Beulah Mae Poe of Gilbert; and three special girls whom he considered his granddaughters: Christina and Kattie Farmer and Cassie Adkins. Additional survivors include his second wife, Lavy Cameron Davis of the home; his two step-sons: Douglas Lester and wife Ruth and Andrew Lester and wife Edwinna, all of Hanover; his two step-daughters: Patsy Walker and husband Lawrence of Steeles and Linda Workman and husband David of Chapmanville; his eight step-grandchildren: Treasa Walker Neace of Iaeger, Steven Lester and wife Sheila of Hanover, Andrea Browning and husband Tony of Verner, Stevie Dee Lester and fiancée Jo-Jo- Goode, Alin and Tyler Workman, and Sasha Mounts, all of Chapmanville; his three step-great grandchildren: Logan Neace, Jessica and Nicholas Browning; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and church family who he loved very much.

Friends may gather with the family to celebrate Gora’s life at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel in Gilbert on Monday, June 28th, from 6 to 9 pm. A service will be held at 7 pm with the Rev. Dennis Lester officiating.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 29th at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Walter Grimmett and Rev. Rodney Robinette officiating.

He will be laid to rest beside his first wife and loving daughter at Highland Memory Gardens at Godby Heights of Pecks Mill.

He will be carried to his final resting place by: Gary Kyle “Bub” Griffin, Arlie Scott Griffin, Zeke Davis, Steven Lester, Stevie Dee Lester, Alin and Tyler Workman, and Tony Browning.

Honorary pallbearers are: Tracey, Seigal, and Troy Browning.