Robert Lafayette Davis passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He was 99 years old, born on November 13, 1926 to Vernon Ashton and Minnie Drummond Davis in Sherman, Mississippi.

He graduated from Sherman High School and Mississippi State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. After working as an engineer for Dupont in Augusta, Georgia he spent his career with the Mississippi Department of Transportation building roads and bridges for safe travel in Mississippi.

He graduated from high school early to serve in the United States Army during World War II as a technician sergeant in the Pacific theatre and then 6 years later in the Korean War as a 2nd lieutenant with the 762nd Engineer Light Equipment Company.

A faithful member of the York Rite Masonic Lodge, he was a charter member of the Sherman Lodge, later moving to the Tupelo Lodge, serving as Past Master in 1989. A master mason, he was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, the York Rite Sovereign College, and the Royal Order of Scotland. He served as the Commander for the Tupelo lodge, the Grand Commander

of the Mississippi Knights Templar, and a member of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar of the United States. He was also a member the American Legion Post #49.

He met Josephine, the love of his life for 71 years when he visited his old high school in Sherman. The principal introduced them in the hall, citing her as the "rising star" of the teaching staff. They were married at Bissell Baptist Church on April 5, 1953.

An avid hunter and fisherman, he loved spending time at his beloved Buzzard's Roost in Sardis. Listening to stories about hunting trips was always entertaining to all.

He was reunited with his beloved wife, his parents, his 2 brothers, James and Irving, and many wonderful friends.

Affectionally known to all as Papa D, he is survived by his daughters, Nancy Moore (Carl) of Lynchburg, VA, Frieda Carlisle (David) of Tupelo, MS, his grandchildren, Kristen Miller (Matthew) of Germantown, TN, Susan Ashley Bozeman (Clarke) of Spring, TX, Davis Moore (Peyton) of Burlington, VT, Dixon Piccagli (Paul) of Lynchburg, VA, Andrew White of Houston, TX, and Ashton Moore of Cambridge, Mass.

Great grandchildren include Miles, Eva, Austin, and Emmy Miller, Josephine and Esther Bozeman, Stori and Hughes Piccagli and Henry Moore.

He spent the last years of his life with excellent caregivers, Kay, Cornelius, Tannis, Connie, Beth, Jean, Cheryl, Shemerea, Tina, Dale, a Caring Hand, and numerous other caregivers. A special thanks to North Mississippi Medical Center Home Health and Hospice.

Pallbearers are Matthew Miller, Miles Miller, Austin Miller, Andrew White, Davis Moore, Paul Piccagli, and Joey Carlisle.

The family requests memorial gifts in Robert's honor to St. Jude's, and the American Legion Post #49.

Lee Memorial Funeral Home in Verona is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:00 Friday, April 17, 2026 at Lee Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 with Tommy Winders officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park.