Richard Jesse Davis, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 after a brave and hard battle with cancer. He was born in Atascadero, California on September 23, 1943 to Pearl (Hilbert) and William J. Davis.

He grew up in Olney, Illinois. Richard's profession and passion was music. During the 1960s and 70s, he toured across the Midwest and East Coast with a band called Long Time Comin. He was an extremely talented musician, vocalist, composer, and mentor. For 25 years, he served as Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Anne Catholic Church. As Choir Director, Richard had the distinctive knack to identify the strengths and talents of his members voices and to direct them to the best of their abilities to produce “beautiful music.”

After retirement in 2017, he spent time meticulously researching gardening techniques; and he grew flowers, plants and abundant produce that he shared with others. His spectacular garden was lovingly dubbed “The Farm.” Richard loved being with friends to share “therapy time.” And his fun sense of humor was at the core of gatherings. He was a humble man and a man of few words; but what he said was powerful, insightful, and meaningful. He was an inspiration to many. To the friends whose lives he touched so deeply, he will always be remembered as “THE Richard Jesse Davis.”

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Bill Davis. He is survived by his loving wife, best friend, and soul mate Rosie Mansfield; his son and daughter-in-law Eric and Jean Davis and his granddaughters Rachel and Brittany Davis, all of Columbus, Indiana; his sister-in-law Betty Davis of Crawfordsville, Indiana; his brother and sister-in-law Michael and Rozella Davis of Olney, Illinois; and many dear friends that he knew and loved as his St Annes and Bristol Family. The family wishes to thank Dr. Eric Harman, Dr. Ryan Shao, Dr. Jonathan Mai, and all the nurses and medical staff for their kind and compassionate care.

Services conducted at St. Anne Catholic Church, 316 Euclid Ave, Bristol, VA. Burial in St. Anne Cemetery.

Akard Funeral Home, Bristol, TN