Raymond Edward Davis of Gloucester passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018. Raymond was born on December 4, 1936 in Axton, Virginia; the youngest child of the late Jubal Early Davis of Axton (Henry County) and Mary Josephine West Davis, originally of Lynchburg. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by two brothers, John West Davis and Robert Winfree Davis, and by a sister, Dorothy Davis Cayle Grenfell.

Raymond moved to Point Pleasant on the Banks of the York River as an infant, and the river became one of the enduring loves of his life. Growing up, he enjoyed crabbing, fishing, sailing and water skiing. He joined the Navy after graduating from Gloucester High School and discovered a lifelong passion for travel when he was stationed in Turkey.

Raymond returned to Gloucester after his military service and worked for a short time at the Naval Weapons Station before returning to the beautiful York River to begin his career as a waterman. He worked as a waterman well into his seventies.

Raymond was an avid hunter and a member of Traveler's Rest Hunt Club. He was a lover of nature and people and participated in philanthropic activities such as building houses in Honduras and collecting clothing and shoes for people in need.

Raymond is survived by sister, Mary Davis Marnix and brother James Early Davis; a host of nieces and nephews; many friends including is dear friends, Faye and Ronnie Deal; and Laddie who according to Raymond was "the smartest dog in the world and he best dog he ever knew".

The family would like to thank Gloucester House and New Century Hospice for the loving care they provided for him.

The family will receive friends at Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, December 20, 2018 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A service officiated by Rev. Calvin Griffin will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel of Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory followed by interment at Windsor Gardens in Dutton, Virginia. The family requests that memorial donations donations be made to the Gloucester Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 382, Gloucester; Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. 1417, Gloucester, Virginia 23061, or a charity of your choice.

Raymond gave us a gorgeous sunset on the York on the day he died. Also when the family was leaving the funeral home on Monday night, a huge owl flew across the driveway and landed in a nearby tree. The owl looked down on us from his perch. We feel that Raymond had a good send off from his earthly home. Rest in peace.