Samuel Franklin “Frank” Davis ’48

Samuel Franklin “Frank” Davis ’48 died at his home, Lost Acres Farm, near Concord, N.C., on Sept. 28. The youngest child of Joseph Vernon and Minnie Williams Davis, he was born Nov. 7, 1917, in Concord. He attended Auburn University, Davidson, and Guilford College. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas for 33 months in North Africa and Italy. After the war, he went into business as a homebuilder and real estate developer under the name of S. Frank Davis Construction and Realty and took pride in his motto, “Quality Construction.” Frank had many friends with whom he enjoyed hunting, fishing, telling stories, and the bond of camaraderie shared by many of his generation. The Yacht and Basin Club, formed by Frank and friends since childhood, continued from right after the war until 2005. They met biweekly and shared food, fellowship, and stories. He was known as a good cook, and fried chicken and barbecue were his specialties. He hosted many gatherings at Lost Acres and at his Lake Norman home where guests were treated to beautiful sunsets. At Lost Acres, he pursued his boyhood love of farming and raising cattle. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Clara Waller Davis, 76 Circle Dr. NE, Concord, NC 28025-3010, originally of Halifax County, Va. Also surviving are a son, Sam Davis ’69 (Alice); three grandchildren, Trey Davis (Cate), McCarley Davis (Lise), and Caroline Johnson (Ben); four great-grandchildren; a sister, Sara Phillips; and a brother, Joe V. Davis, Jr.