Rudolph was born in Houston County, Georgia to the late Mary (May, Minnie) Belle Davis and Robert Davis on August 27,

1937. He was the fourth of five children born to this union. His mother passed away when he was 4 years old and he was

reared by his sister Evelyn and family friends.

He attended Peach County Elementary and Training School and Hunt High School. As soon as he could and eager to see the

world outside of Fort Valley, as an underage young man at 17, Rudolph had his Sister-Mama to sign for him to enter the United

States Navy. He served right after the Korean War. His tour of duty included the Philippines and other Asian counties. After

2 years of service he received an honorable discharge from the Navy. Rudolph settled in Utica, New York and worked as a

machinist for many years. He married the love of his life, Lillie Mae Davis in 1966.

Rudolph was a gentle-man who believed in the Christian faith and joined the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church at a young age

under guardianship of Sisters Nettie Davis Rumph and Mary Lyons and leadership of Rev J. L. Walker. Wherever he lived,

he maintained a church affiliation. After moving to Apopka, Florida he attended the Temple of Faith, Apopka, Florida and

the St. Luke Full Gospel Baptist Church, Zellwood, Florida.

Rudolph enjoyed working on and rebuilding all kinds of engines -- cars, lawnmowers, etc. Rudolph always took pride in his

work and accomplishments. For his excellence in work and attention to people and details, he received many certificates and

other commendations from his employers. He loved to work, and was committed to finish what he started. On his recent 80th

birthday, Kindred Hospice held a We Honor Our Veteran's Program Pinning ceremony in his honor in appreciation for his

service in the Navy. Four generations of his family gathered to celebrate.

He loved sweet potatoes and had a smile that lit up any room he entered. With his own ever-present smile, he seemed to live

by the quote, "If you see someone without a smile, give them yours." He made friends easily wherever he went. He loved

family, and ended each call with his sister with, "…tell all my nieces I love them."

Words that best describe Rudy are strong, intelligent, honest, pleasant, joyful, prideful, dignified, loving and thoughtful. He

would help anyone and often did without desiring any public praise or recognition. We are all blessed to have had Rudy as a

part of our lives.

Rudolph returned home in 2016. With his devoted niece and nephew present, he passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle

with lung cancer at the Church Home Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Fort Valley, GA.

Rudolph was preceded in death by his wife Lillie in July 2013, two brothers, Robert and Ernest Davis, and his parents, Mary

(May, Minnie) Belle and Robert Davis. He is survived by his brother, Calvin Davis and sister Evelyn Davis McCray. He also

leaves to mourn, a step-grandson, Derrick Brown, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Over the past two years of his illness, Rudolph truly needed his family. They all surrounded him in love and prayers. Special

thanks go to family who gave so generously of themselves to comfort him. We especially thank Cornita, Robin, Calvin, Evelyn,

Paulette, Anita and Bob.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, all expressions of condolences be made to Trinity Baptist Church.

Please send them to Evelyn Davis McCray: 220 Hunt St. Fort Valley, Ga. 31030

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