Obituary for Ferd Leary Davis, Jr. (Guest book)
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Welcome to the memorial page for

Ferd Leary Davis, Jr.

December 4, 1941 ~ July 20, 2017 (age 75) 75 Years Old
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A candle was lit by Walter H. Jones and family on December 23, 2017 12:45 PM
Message from Rachel Morton
November 27, 2017 6:36 PM

2 Corinthians 1:3,4 gives us the assurance that "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies" is "the God of all comfort' and he "comforts us in all our trials". Please accept my sincere condolences. Always remember God loves you and he cares for you! (Psalm 36:7; 1 Peter 5:7) jw.org
Message from Dee
July 31, 2017 7:37 PM

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one. Comfort and a sure hope can be found in God's Word, the Bible --2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. Jesus promises that one day he is going to bring back to life all those who have died --John 5:28, 29. Death is not only an "enemy" to those of us who have lost dear loved one in death, but also an enemy to God--1 Corinthians 15:26. The Bible tells us that one day God is going to remove of death that mankind has experienced for thousands of years --Revelation 20:12-13. Then you may be able to embrace your loved one again forever, " So, behold a bright and beautiful light at the end of the tunnel - Isaiah 41:10
Message from Truett Canady
July 26, 2017 11:31 AM

I was blessed to be one of the many law students at Campbell during Dean Davis' tenure there. He was a great friend to the students and gave us the benefit of his wisdom. He inspired me to exercise to combat stress while in law school and beyond - something I hated before that time. I still think of him when I am out running! I am praying for you during this difficult time.
Message from Brad Schulz Beaufort, NC
July 25, 2017 5:48 PM

I was saddened to learn today of the loss of Leary. He was very much a pioneer in many areas, and I am very proud of him for his work in getting Campbell Law School off the ground, ahead af schedule. During my years in Smithfield, we hired many 2L law clerks form Campbell, and we were always impressed with their knowledge and work ethic. I had the pleasure of serving with Leary on several NCBA committees, and always appreciated his comments, and his insistence that we continue to look forward. This steward of the Bar and professionalism will be missed. The legacy he leaves is unparalleled. God speed my friend.
Message from Wallace Young, Jr.
July 25, 2017 2:54 PM

Dean Davis was, not dissimilar to his father and mentor Norman Wiggins, of a precious few persons within a generation to make a lasting impression on his community, profession and society. As an '85 Campbell Law grad, I subsequently called on Dean Davis for a recommendation for my officer's candidacy to the North Carolina National Guard. He not only pulled my academic file, studied it, but invited to meet with me in his home at Buies Creek and he drafted one of the most poignant support letters on my behalf that I could have hoped. Other than law school, I had no previous personal contacts with Dean Davis and there was no personal gain for him to take out such an amount of time and effort on my behalf -- a generous effort that shaped my view and was somewhat contagious. We all, especially his beloved family, will deeply miss him while being consoled that his spirit literally lives on with great fire. Blessings to you Leary Davis and all your precious loved ones.
Message from Chris Stewart
July 23, 2017 4:13 PM

I am sorry to hear about Leary's death. I was one of a small army of children who spent more time at Leary and Joy's house than my own when I was growing up in Buies Creek. I am best friends with their son Ben. I always felt like a part of their family. Thank you Leary (and Joy) for the role you played in raising all of us.
Message from Tim Dunn
July 23, 2017 9:22 AM

I loved, appreciated and deeply respected Dean Leary Davis. He was a true warrior and trailblazer within the legal profession and law school education. I learned so very much from Dean Davis about how to live my life as a man and an attorney with uncompromising integrity, leadership and vision. Thank you, Dean Davis, for your "Servant Leadership by Example" and for your positive influence on the lives of countless numbers of attorneys who are still giving their very best legal advice and representation to each and every client. God Speed, Sir; we'll see you again on the other side!
Very respectfully and Semper Fidelis,
Tim Dunn
Fayetteville, NC
Message from Laura Spivey
July 23, 2017 7:04 AM

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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A candle was lit by Doris Ramsey on July 22, 2017 9:22 PM
Message from Mary Lou Faircloth
July 22, 2017 6:29 PM

Hi Joy, Trey, Ben, and E.J.,
We heard on the news tonight about Leary's death, and we are so sorry for your loss. We did not realize that he was so sick, and had we known earlier about his death, we would have certainly been there for the service. We count you among our very best WFU friends, so please stay in touch.
Love,
Mary Lou and Wilbert Faircloth
Message from Rhoda Billings
July 22, 2017 1:34 PM

Joy and family,
I am among the host of friends and admirers of Leary who join with you in celebrating a life beautifully lived. From our years together at Wake Forest Law, for 50+ years I have benefitted from knowing and learning from this remarkable man. He will be missed. I greatly regret that I was unable to attend the celebration of his life today.
Message from Sharon Cooper
July 22, 2017 10:54 AM

I am with you all in spirit today and am grateful that the Cooper/Davis family is connected. My niece and nephew are lucky to have such an amazing, loving people in the Davis family. Lots of love to you all today and always.
Message from Barna & Peggy Wilder
July 22, 2017 10:54 AM

Joy & Family,
Barna and I were very sad to learn yesterday that Leary had gone to his eternal home. Leary has made such a contribution to our community, state & nation. We are praying that our Heavenly Father is providing each of you with the physical & spiritual strength that you need as you mourn your loss.
May God Bless each of you,
Peggy Wilder
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A candle was lit by Sharon Cooper on July 22, 2017 10:50 AM
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A candle was lit by Barna & Peggy Wilder on July 22, 2017 10:05 AM
Message from Karlan House Barker
July 22, 2017 9:35 AM

Leary Davis was the kindest, most intelligent person I have ever met. He was wonderful to work with and I enjoyed my time time at Elon as his assistant.
Joy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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A candle was lit by Karlan House Barker on July 22, 2017 9:23 AM
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A candle was lit by Zeb Barnhardt, Jr. on July 22, 2017 9:12 AM
Joy, I was deeply saddend to learn this morning of Leary's death. I always enjoyed workng with him on the surveys of lawyers and serving alongside him in making presentations on the subject. I have never known anyone else to be so immersed in and dedicated to the task of helping lawyers lead healty lives. Always thinking, he was a true visionary. He served long and well. May he rest in peace. You and all the family have my sincere thoughts and prayers.
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A candle was lit by Zeb Barnhardt, Jr. on July 22, 2017 9:06 AM
Message from Virginia Mora
July 22, 2017 8:02 AM

Joy, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Leary accomplished so much in this life and he touched so many lives. He is an example of one who fought the good fight.
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A candle was lit by Mary Webb on July 21, 2017 10:44 PM
Message from Johnny & Janice Liles
July 21, 2017 8:21 PM

Joy and family, we are so saddened to hear of Leary's passing. He definitely leaves behind a legacy of educational achievements affecting many lives and an adoring family.

We will keep you in our prayers today and forever.

Johnny & Janice Liles
Message from Rhonda Ennis
July 21, 2017 7:41 PM

Joy, thinking of you and your family. I admired our founding dean.
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A candle was lit by Rhonda and Jerry Ennis on July 21, 2017 7:38 PM
Message from Luther Stevens and Elaine Stevens
July 21, 2017 7:25 PM

Although we did not know him, as extended family of John and Janet Davis,
we extend our sympathy. It is clear from his obituary, that he was an ethical and hard working man, who used his talents to educate and empower others.
He will certainly be missed by the Zebulon community, and you.
Message from Don R. Brown
July 21, 2017 4:01 PM

Leary was one of my best friends in school, I graduated in his class, the class of 59.
Iknow he will be missed by all that knew him.
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A candle was lit by Janet & John on July 21, 2017 2:51 PM
Message from Sue Sinclair
July 21, 2017 2:24 PM

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Leary at Elon. My strongest memory of him will be his kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with Joy and his family.
Message from Patti Owen Harper
July 21, 2017 11:32 AM

It is with deep sadness that I read of the passing of Dean Davis. I am profoundly grateful for his strong and innovative leadership at my alma mater, Campbell University School of Law. His contributions to my legal education, and that of my husband of 40 years, continue to bear fruit in our lives, and in the lives of our children and grandchildren: two of our sons are practicing attorneys, and a third son will soon begin his second year of law school. Dean Davis instilled in us the importance of preparation and hard work, and set an amazing example of both those traits. Most significantly, I appreciate him as a servant leader, and I know he leaves a lasting legacy of work well done, and a life well lived. May the Lord give great comfort to his wonderful wife, Joy, and to all who mourn his passing. Sincerely, Patti Owen Harper, Campbell Law Class of 1981
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A candle was lit by Rebecca Cacaci on July 21, 2017 10:28 AM
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A candle was lit by Milton Bryant, Jr. Zebulon NC on July 21, 2017 10:25 AM
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A candle was lit by Jenny Sweet, Campbell Alum 2007 and Elon Law Alum 2010 on July 21, 2017 9:16 AM
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A candle was lit by Joette Baker Oliver on July 21, 2017 7:28 AM
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A candle was lit by Anon on July 20, 2017 9:25 PM
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