Rev. Ivan R. Davis

Rev. Ivan Davis, age 78, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024 at the Stanley Total Living Center, lovingly cared for by his family and the dedicated staff of the STLC. Ivan was born in Auckland, New Zealand on June 3rd, 1945, to Paul and Ethel Davis, the eldest of four boys. As a boy, he excelled at school and was a member of the Boys Brigade, attaining the highest levels and receiving the Queen’s Badge. Growing up, he helped his father with work and actively participated in church life. After graduating from high school, Ivan went on to university, but later decided to pursue a teacher’s certificate through Auckland’s Teacher College. He then took a position teaching English and Geography at Manurewa High School in Auckland. At age 26, he married Ann Campbell, whom he met at Valley Road Baptist Church, and with whom he would be blessed with 52 years of marriage. In 1975, Ivan and Ann and their children Rachel and Matthew moved to the United States so that Ivan could pursue a Masters of Divinity degree. They lived in Jackson, Mississippi, where he attended Reformed Theological Seminary from 1976-1979. Their youngest daughter, Rebekah, was born there.The family then moved to Philadelphia, PA, where Ivan began classes in the doctoral program at Westminster Theological Seminary. In 1980, Ivan accepted a call to the ministry and the family moved to Grove City, PA, where Ivan served two congregations of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, first in Grove City, PA, then Whippany NJ, over the next fifteen years. In 1997, Ivan and Ann moved to the Charlotte area, eventually settling in Stanley in 1999. After working with several church plants in the area, Ivan was asked to take an inaugural position as chaplain at the Stanley Total Living Center. He accepted this call and began work as chaplain of the STLC in 2005. Over the past 20 years, Ivan served hundreds of families of the Gaston County community through the STLC, providing spiritual support  for them and their loved ones both in life and in death. In addition, Ivan continued to serve the church in both short-term and long-term interim pastoral positions, particularly the congregations of Harvest PCA Church in Lincolnton, NC, and First Presbyterian Church in Stanley. Ivan was greatly loved and many will fondly remember his recognizable voice, whether from the pulpit, at a hospital bedside, or at the STLC booming down the hall on his way to visit a resident with words of encouragement, accompanied by chaplain-dog Valiant. Ivan is survived by two younger brothers, Trevor and Peter, his wife Ann, three children, Rachel, Matthew, and Rebekah, and two granddaughters, Annabelle and Penelope. The funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Stanley on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stanley Total Living Center. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is caring for Rev. Davis' family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Ivan R. Davis, please visit our floral store.