Rev. Ralph "Gene" Eugene Davis

Ralph Eugene “Gene” Davis passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024 from blood cancer and kidney failure at the age of 91. Gene served nine churches in over half a century in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong optimist who believed in helping people feel better about themselves and their future. A genuine servant leader, Gene’s deep understanding of people in their greatest time of need will have a lasting impact on thousands of people he touched throughout his life.

Gene was born on April 19, 1933. He grew up in Atlanta and moved to Fitzgerald when he was 9 years old. He endured tragedy as a junior in high school losing both parents on the same day. After graduating from Fitzgerald High School, Gene received a scholarship to play snare drums at the University of Georgia. He became a charter member of the Dixie Redcoat Band. While studying sociology, Gene became actively involved in the Wesley Foundation and was among the first students to live in the newly acquired Wesley Foundation Student Center. He was a song leader and took his first mission trip to Cuba during his involvement with the Wesley Foundation. During his time at UGA, Gene decided to become a minister in the United Methodist Church.

Gene graduated from UGA with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and enrolled into the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he received his master’s degree. He started his ministry career alongside Bevel Jones III as Associate Pastor and Youth Director during the formation of Audubon Forest Methodist Church in Cascade Heights. The two maintained a meaningful friendship throughout their careers, often visiting at Camp Glisson as fellow cabin owners. After Gene’s first wife passed away from cancer, Bev and Tuck Jones introduced Gene to a young and attractive schoolteacher named Rochelle Woodward. They quickly married and raised three sons together (Jeff, Mark and Scott).

During his recent hospital battle of 12 weeks, Gene and Rochelle celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary together. It was a bittersweet and true testament of their love for each other. Gene signed a card and handwrote her a note.

Gene became minister at St. Philip United Methodist Church in Marietta where he helped build their first sanctuary in 1960. When Gene was called to be the minister at Dahlonega First United Methodist Church in 1966, he and Rochelle moved their family of five to the college town. They became engaged in the mountain community, North Georgia College and Camp Glisson. Their journey took them to meaningful appointments in Buford, Brookhaven, Cedartown and Cornelia before Gene retired in 1995. Two years later, the bishop called Gene about a circuit assignment. Gene came out of retirement for Trinity and Warm Springs United Methodist Churches and served for another 14 years. In an interesting serendipity, Gene and Rochelle discovered that her great-grandfather helped inaugurate Trinity Church in Durand, Georgia. He retired for the second time at the age of 77.

Gene was very proud of his Today’s Lift radio program which he began during his ministry in Cornelia. He created the content, wrote the message and delivered the 60-second positive and uplifting audio message that was broadcast on the radio each morning in North Georgia. Today’s Lift was sponsored by Community Bank & Trust and continued for over 30 years. It ended two months before Gene’s death.

Gene was a good singer, had a love for music and often sang “How Great Thou Art” at Sunday services. He united people and loved telling a good joke. Gene had the honor of speaking at all three of his sons’ baccalaureate services at Cross Keys High School in Brookhaven. He presided over his youngest son’s wedding ceremony in Dalton, Georgia and their daughters’ baptisms at Trinity in Durand.

Gene relished his time in retirement with Rochelle as they proudly aged in place for 27 years in their “slice of heaven” in Mountville, Georgia. A favorite spot was the front porch in the spring and fall, and the family room with a wood burning fireplace in the winter. He was a steward of the property and mowed the lawn well past his 90th birthday. He is survived by his wife Rochelle, his two children Mark (Jeanan), Scott (Kristi), his daughter-in-law Mary; and his seven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Kathryn Fricks, and his son Jeffrey Eugene Davis.

A memorial service will take place on October 18 at the LaGrange First United Methodist Church Chapel at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided at 1:00 p.m. at Taste of Lemon Restaurant in LaGrange.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday October 17 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in LaGrange.

Gene had a unique ability to make connections with people. He would look for the silver lining, and always move forward. He had a zest for living and never complained. On a typical morning, one would hear him say, “This is the day the Lord has made.”

He was selfless in his approach to his family, congregation and community. Tributes such as “a life lived fully,” “he gave of himself,” and “very few are like him anymore,” are echoing across Georgia.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636