Vance Offutt Davis, Sr.

Vance Offutt Davis, Sr., 84, of Kinston passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022. Born in Lenoir County, he was the son of the late William “Jack” Arthur Davis and Nellie Jarman Davis. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Jean Casey Davis, and brother, William L. Davis. 

Vance loved his family and his Lord. That was his life. If he could, he would have loved to have his entire family living in one big house. He began farming at the age of seven with his daddy and brother, and later continued on with his sons and family. When working the farm in 95-degree weather, his children would say “Daddy, it’s sure hot outside” to which his reply would always be “It’s just right”.

He attended Moss Hill School where he drove a bus and played baseball and graduated in 1957. He was offered a chance to play for the Philadelphia Phillies but chose to stay home to be with his family and farm. Vance also enjoyed many years of drag racing. He was always known to have such a ‘big’ heart for everyone and will be greatly missed.

Vance is survived by his daughters, Jean Kay Davis Burkett and husband, Jeff, of Wyse Fork and  Lisa Ann Davis Alphin and husband, Dwight, of Kinston; sons, Vance O. “Van” Davis, Jr. of Kinston and Jack Arthur Davis and wife, Crystal, of Kinston; grandchildren, Jeana Burkett Carter and husband, Derrick, Jeffrey Burkett, Jr. and wife, Julie, Casey Ann Alphin Whaley and husband, Matthew, Dylan Davis, Melanie Davis, Lauren Davis, Brittany Wallace, Josh Wallace, and Jarod Wallace; great-grandchildren, Sarah Carter, Summer Burkett, Savannah Burkett, Marley Carter, Kaylynn Carter, and Briley Whaley; one great-great-grandchild on the way; special family members, Kenneth Register and Jennifer Burkett, and many other close family and friends.

The family would like to thank Pruitt Hospice, Susie Mitchell, and his doctors for their love and support.

Private services were held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Webb Chapel United Methodist Church, 4478 NC Highway 55 West, Kinston, NC 28504.