Max Raeford Davis

Max Raeford Davis, age 88 passed away on Wednesday April 1, 2026 at the Sherrills Ford Hospice House.  He was born in Gaston County, son of the late John Davis and Maggie Arrowood Davis.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Patsy Gowan Davis, his 12 siblings: Hazel, Ruth, Varrell, Arthur "Buddy", Wilbur, Bearl, Janet, Marie, Doris, an infant brother Earl and 1 sister, as well as his son in laws Billy Keeter, Rodney Lovin, and Ricky Morris. 

Max grew up on Dutchman Creek, and always seemed to find peace while surrounded by nature.  He served 4 years as a Marine Reservist.  He was awarded the 1958 AAU runner up athlete of the year.  He was inducted into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, as well as the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996 and also boxed at Madison Square Garden twice in his career. He spent his career with Yellow Freight Trucking Company, where he retired after many years of dedicated service.   In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and collecting antique bottles and coins.  

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Max Bryan Davis (Monica), Nancy "Bootle" Keeter, and Linda Davis; his grandchildren: Kelly Morris, Kevin Morris (Beth), Max Brayden Davis (Trinity), Nathan Davis, Shannon Keeter, and Brandon Keeter, as well as his great grandchildren: Nathaniel Morris, and Marley and Lorie Ann Keeter.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Sherrills Ford Hospice House as well as Nathan Davis, Trinity Woods, and Monica Davis for their compassionate care for Max.  

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday April 10, 2026 in the Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly.  The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service on Friday also at the Funeral Home.

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