Kent Davis

David K. Davis,"Kent", 69, died on July 29, 2021 in his Raleigh, NC home, surrounded by the love of his family. Kent fought a fierce battle against cancer for a year and a half with his wife, their three children, and their spouses often present to provide loving care and support. Although, the cancer eventually weakened his body to the point that an infection caused his death, he never lost his faith in God, his spirit, or his sense of humor. Kent’s favorite thing to do was spend time with family. It did not matter what they were doing, they could be working in the yard, or spending a holiday together, as long as he was with his family, he was happy.

Kent spent his childhood and his teenage years living in Missouri. Then as a young adult, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent his years in the Navy in Vietnam, and on an aircraft carrier, USS Forrestal. He received an honorable discharge in 1974. Kent was very proud to be an American and a veteran. He shared his love for his country and his belief in patriotic duty with many young men that he taught and mentored through the years. Although Kent resigned from teaching he continued to mentor young men by being a boy scout leader. Kent was active in scouting as a young man, but he only completed the level of Life Scout by the time he was 18. He participated in scouting with his two sons, and continued to encourage them so they would complete the necessary work to become Eagle Scouts. He was very proud that both of them completed the work and received their Eagle Scout awards. Kent was passionate about scouting not only because it kept young men physically active, but it also taught them to become good citizens, and leaders in their communities.

Kent worked many years in the construction industry, often learning new skills as he took on new jobs. By the time he chose to find a less physical career, he knew how to build a house from the foundation to the roof. He took a position with the Wake County Public School system teaching carpentry at Wake Forest High School for over four years. Kent then took a position with the City of Raleigh Department of Inspections in the late 1990’s. He continued to work with the City of Raleigh for over 20 years until his retirement in 2018. Kent started out working as a building inspector in the field, and after eight years, he transitioned to a position doing plans review.

Kent’s extensive knowledge of the building code, and his practical experience working in the field were very valuable in his position. He always maintained a high level of integrity while working for the city, he was truly committed to safe building construction above all other considerations.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dawn Smith Davis; their three children, and their spouses; Hillary and Andy Lemonds of Lake Jackson, TX, Logan and Samantha Davis of Raleigh, NC, and Shane Davis of Garner, NC. Kent leaves behind four grandchildren, Pearson Davis of Waco, TX, Daniel Lemonds of Lake Jackson, TX, Eli Crow of Waco, TX, and Callan Davis of Raleigh, NC. Kent is also survived by his mother, Virginia Davis of Sedalia, MO; his twin brother, Kirk Davis also of Sedalia, MO; his first wife, Sue Moore of Waco, TX, their daughter and her husband, Kenna and Bennett Crow of Waco, TX.

Kent received great cancer treatment from Dr. Matthew Foster and his oncology team at UNC Cancer Hospital. Kent and his wife were very grateful for the staff at the cancer hospital, they performed their duties with amazing kindness and compassion.

Kent participated in two different Clinical Research Trials the past year. When Kent was first diagnosed, he was informed of the poor choices for treatment in patient’s over 60 years old. He hoped that by contributing to the trials, better treatment options will someday be available. His doctors were very grateful that he was willing to sacrifice some of his good days to participate.

A service to celebrate Kent's life will be held at a later date at the Thomas Crowder Woodland Center, 5611 Jaguar Park Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606. The family encourages people to share stories and join the celebration for a life well lived.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project; www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Services are provided by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.