Ralph E. Davis

On Monday, July 26, 2021, Ralph E. Davis decided he couldn't stand another Monday. It was an unplanned, unexcused absence. He had heard that there were great fishing streams up north, so he went fishing with his friends and family that have passed.

Ralph was born to Elizabeth D. Davis and Billy Joe Davis on June 19, 1965. If there was anything going on, he was in the middle of it. This left angry, confused or amused parents, siblings, friends, animals and even insects in his wake. He did steer clear of the ensuing mayhem by grabbing a fishing pole and pretending that he was fishing the entire time. People thought he was an adorable little boy.

Ralph's teenage and early adult years were spent as a mechanic and in the logging industry around Troy. He loved doing both. Luckily, he didn't have time to combine the two — we would have had monster skidder shows.

Ralph's main passions in life were Chevy trucks and women. He had great feelings for both, and was sometimes slapped because of it. In his early years, he was instrumental in keeping the BF Goodrich employees busy with his smoked tire replacements. He moved on to clutch and brake replacements as he was a great consumer of both.

At 23, he made the mistake of getting into a vehicle with an intoxicated driver. He became a quadriplegic from the accident.

Ralph's time in a wheelchair allowed him to hone his craft of humorous instigation. If you were ever drunk in his presence, you may have been a willing subject. He would always make sure that you thought that it was your idea. Soberness and pictures from friends would bring some clarity, also the need for a good stiff drink and some apologies. Ralph embraced the art of storytelling with our great uncle, Homer T. Their humor and a tipple of moonshine could keep people in stitches for hours.

Ralph was loved by many. He had an infectious sense of humor and described himself as a cranky, old, opinionated, heavily jaded, intolerant, easily irritable, emotionally withdrawn and "bottles almost empty" type of person.

He loved the area around Troy and all of his family and friends. He leaves behind his father, BJ Davis; brothers, Mike, Scot and Rick; sister, Charlynn; and many step siblings, nephews, nieces, great nieces, aunts and cousins as well as a great nephew and a sister-in-law.

Ralph wanted a celebration, not a funeral. Please join us at Roosevelt Park in Troy by the duck pond for a potluck on Aug. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. for services and to share stories and say farewells. Your favorite side dish and sense of humor is the price of admission. Lawn chairs are advised.

Please don't drink and drive, as Ralph isn't ready to see anybody else yet.