Raymond George Davis

Mr. Raymond George Davis, 95, of Dahlonega, passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at Canvas Christian Church, 3560 Browns Bridge Rd, Cumming, GA 30028. Interment will be in Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL.

A native of Norwich, N.Y. Mr. Davis retired in Fernandina Beach FL,  in 1989 until 2015 when he made his home in Dahlonega, GA.

Mr. Davis spent 36 years in higher education, developing programs in institutional advancement and directing capital campaigns.  At Clemson (SC) University, his work earned the top national award in 1962 and 1963 from the American College Public Relations Association. He authored an education service for the Associated Press from 1961 through 1965. In 1962, Clemson’s peaceful integration brought national acclaim in public relations.

Mr. Davis also served in university relations at Michigan State University and the University of Maryland. In 1966, commissioned by the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant College, he wrote the commemorative piece for the Centennial anniversary of land-grant education.

Mr. Davis was vice president of development at Johnson C. Smith (NC) University and Livingstone (NC) College, both historically-black and Cedar Crest (PA) College for women. At Johnson C. Smith, his programs produced fund raising records or seven consecutive years, He was a regional director of The United Negro College Fund for 10 years.

He was a development officer at Hanover (VT) College, Alfred (NY) University and Green Mountain (VT) College. In 1969, a capital campaign at Parson’s (IA) College won a national award from The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. At this time, Parsons was responding to a LIFE magazine expose.

Mr. Davis had an early career in journalism. He was a sports editor-columnist with newspapers in Illinois and a prize-winning editor of newspapers in Texas and Kansas.

He was a 1950 graduate of Hartwick (NY) College, where he was an undergraduate sports information director. He later served on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association there.

He was a World War II Army Veteran and a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for action in the Pacific Theater.

Mr. Davis attended the non-denominational Christian Church since 1952.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Gladys Crandall Davis; his first wife of 49 years, Joyce Kelly Davis and companion of 13 years, Helen Proulx Smith.

Mr. Davis is survived by two daughters, Colleen Klingelhoefer and son in law, Thomas Klingelhoefer of Langhorne, PA, Laurie Davis of Dahlonega; one son, Jere Davis of Greer, SC and daughter in law, Charlene Davis; former daughter in law, Jennifer Davis of Simpsonville, SC. He is survived by two granddaughters, Amanda Brooke Sherman and husband, Jeffrey, of Randolph, NJ, Dr. Ashley Brennan Davis and husband, Travis Nelson of Elgin, SC; two grandsons, Aaron Klingelhoefer and wife Aimee of Bristol, PA, Kevin Klingelhoefer of Union Dale, PA; also three great granddaughters, Isabella Klingelhoefer of Bristol, PA, Savannah Sherman and Violet Sherman of Randolph NJ; one great grandson, Wolfgang Klingelhoefer of Bristol, PA; three nieces, Margaret (Reggie) Heath of Ashville, NC, Diane Pritschow of Papillion, NE, Lynda Myers of San Antonio, TX.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com