Augustus Frye “Sonny” Davis, 92, of Statesville, N.C., passed away at home on April 13, 2024. Born on December 5, 1931, in Statesville, he was the son of the late Mary Frye Davis Lazenby and Fred Davis. He graduated from Statesville Senior High School in the Class of 1950.
He leaves behind his wife Helene; his daughter, Sunny Lynn Estes and her husband Wayne; and his stepchildren, Byron and Tresha Stevens; as well as two step-grandchildren.
Sonny was ushered into heaven by those who preceded him in death, his stepfather Stewart Lazenby, his sister, Virginia Thomas (Ben), infant sister Sarah, and his son, A F Davis Jr. (Janice), who was known fondly as “Spud.”
The Davis family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who supported Sonny in his final days, including the dedicated Hospice nurses and friends Kalma Ball, Tim Tobey, and Linda Wallace. A special thank you to Sonny’s “mountain friends” including Betty and Robert Clark, Robert and the Barker’s Grocery gang, and the ladies at Dr. Bouhussein.
In his youth, Sonny served as a volunteer firefighter and a reserve deputy, later attaining the rank of Lieutenant in the Narcotics Division of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department. Upon his return to North Carolina he transitioned into the mobile home industry, where he engaged in finance, appraisals, and managed a parts store in his hometown of Statesville.
A man of diverse interests, Sonny found joy in horseback riding, the companionship of his dogs, the thrill of NASCAR races, the allure of Westerns, and the peace of tending to his garden. His hands were rarely still, often busy with woodworking, clock collecting, and beautifying his yard.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Mr. Davis’s memory to Gordon Hospice House or the American Cancer Society to continue the fight against illness that affects so many.
A graveside service to commemorate Sonny’s life will be officiated by Rev. Jerry Rogers at Oakwood Cemetery. Date and time to follow. Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family following the service.
Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Davis family.