"God saw the road was getting rough the hill was hard to climb, so he gently closed "Cuz" eyes and whispered "Peace Be Thine." Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Nathaniel Davis, Sr. departed this life on April 16, 2016 after a short period of illness. He was born to the late Margaret Wilson and Thomas Davis. Nathaniel "Cuz" lived in Winston-Salem all of his life and attended the local public schools. He was an employee of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company where he retired after 32 years of service. He worked for Budd Service, Bantam Grocery Store, and Kirby Grocery Store; he made sure his family was well provided for.
He was a veteran of the US Army, 101 Airborne of Fort Jackson, SC. He was a 33 degree Mason and a Shriner. He was a coach for the "Little League Baseball Team"- The Mighty Eagles- the only team with cheerleaders. He was the "Father of the Year" at the YMCA. He attended Pyramid Barbering School, where he became a Master Barber. He was head of security for the "National Black Theatre Festival". He was president of the "Wilson-Moye Family Reunion #2 of Winston-Salem, NC. Early years he joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church with his wife, later he went to Kimberly Park Holiness Church, from there he went to Mercy Seat Holiness Church, and from there he became a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. He was a Layman League member and sung with the Community Choir doing what he loved to do, "SING" and took great pride in cooking breakfast for the Laymen League every year.
A union was formed on April 27, 1957 with 59 years of matrimony to his wonderful and lovely soulmate, Shirley Jean Hairston.
"Cuz" affectionately called by family and friends, was a caring and loving person who possessed a genuine concern for others. The lasting memory of his empathetic nature and perseverance will always be enrichment to all who knew him. His legacy will serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement to all. "Cuz" will be remembered for his stylish fashion sense, beautiful mind, caring and selfless heart, and outspoken attitude. He loved everyone that he encountered and never met a stranger.
The precious memory of our beloved shall be treasured by his devoted and loving wife, Shirley Hairston Davis of the home; sons, Reginald (Gloria) Davis, Sr., Nathaniel (Denise) Davis, Jr. of W-S, NC, and Ronald Ware of Rochester, NY; daughter, Robin Renee Davis of W-S, NC; grandchildren, Reginald Davis, Jr., Jurrell Davis, Eishana Matthews, Tishana Matthews, Rishana Hamilton, Damar Ware, Ralaan Ware, and Ronald Ware; 7 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces including devoted nieces, Regina Turner, Katrina Turner, and Sunshine Davis; nephews, other relatives and a multitude of friends including devoted friends, Harold Faulkner, Jr., William Moore, Curtis Reid, and Reginald Tindal.
Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, April 23, 2016 at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Kendall Jones officiating. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church. Burial will be held at 10:00am Monday, April 25, 2016 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.