Vann (Henry Vann) Davis III

It is with deepest sadness that we announce Mr. Henry Vann Davis III, a founding principal of Davis Funeral Service, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020. 

Vann was born February 23, 1965, in Miami Lakes, FL, the son of the late Henry Vann Davis Jr. and Mary Shackelford Davis, the co-founders of Davis Funeral Service. As a child Vann enjoyed his time in the Boy Scouts and was involved with DeMolay International. He also loved visiting North Carolina in the summer to spend time with his many Davis cousins. Vann’s interest in funeral services began in his teenage years, observing a funeral home near his neighborhood in Miami Lakes. Vann graduated from Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School with honors in 1983 prior to moving to North Carolina with his parents. In the summer after graduating high school, he worked for Davis Steel & Iron and Carowinds. He attended Wingate College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1987. Upon graduation, Vann worked in the funeral service industry and received his NC Funeral Director License in 1989. 

Vann and his late parents opened Davis Funeral Service in November 1990. Shortly after opening, his father passed away. Vann and his mother continued the business with their focus on serving the families of the community with a shared belief that every family that came to them in a time of greatest need should to be met with compassion, respect, and love. Vann was often heard reminding staff that every family deserved the treatment of their own family.

The city of Monroe became home to Vann, and he was an active member of the community he deeply loved and continuously served. Involved with United Way of Union County, Union County Community Shelter, Turning Point of Union County, Fine Arts Advisory Board at Wingate University, The Gideons International, North Carolina Funeral Directors Association, Order of the Golden Rule, Monroe Rotary Club, Union County Chamber of Commerce, and former VP for Union County Cancer Society. At Central United Methodist Church, Vann served as an usher, tour guide, member of the planning committee, and a finance committee member. Vann was also involved in the City of Monroe Public Safety Committee. Over and beyond his public involvement in the causes that he cared greatly for, many of Vann’s acts of charity and kindness were done anonymously. 

Known as an extraordinary soul, Vann’s kindness will be remembered for many lifetimes. Vann understood that true wealth was of the mind and heart. He believed in treating all that he knew with the selfless attention that displayed true interest in the lives of others. Always dedicating time to listen, he placed an importance on the lives of all he encountered. Forever an icon in the community, Vann possessed a gentle soul and a young heart and will continue to be known for his empathy. He was a positive and encouraging influence on the lives of many. He reminded everyone to always be thankful regardless of circumstance. He knew when to not take himself too seriously and constantly shared his infectious laugh with all that needed a smile. Vann possessed a brightness and energy that could not go unnoticed. He enjoyed a good adventure, especially one that provided a great story. Vann believed in taking the time out to share a meal with the ones he loved, as good food was no substitute for great conversation. To Vann, an event was secondary to the time shared with others during the event. With a giving spirit and special nature, Vann will be cherished far beyond his short time on this earth.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his uncle Cliff Davis (Dorothy), his aunt Carolyn Wilkes, his aunt Doris Cunningham (Donald), and his aunt Jean S. Davis, as well as numerous cousins and second cousins, current and former staff of Davis Funeral Service, countless special friends, and the community that he served.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry Vann Davis Sr. and Willie Mae Davis Collins, and Harvey Logan Shackelford and Lola Howell Shackelford. Uncles Henry Franklin Davis (Jean Russell), Charles Davis (Betty), Brooks Davis, and Beck Davis. Aunts Genevieve Shackelford Longabough, Ruth Shackelford Atterbury (Leslie Henry) Sarah Simpson (Clyde), Christine Alexander (Perry), and Nora Roy (Ed).   

The first annual “Vann Davis Day” is tentatively scheduled for February 23, 2021, on the grounds of Davis Funeral Service, with food provided by Southern Roots Bar & Grill. This will be a RSVP event open to the entire community, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering our friend Vann.

Memorials in Vann’s honor may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 801 S. Hayne St., Monroe, NC 28112 or United Way of Central Carolinas, 102 E. Franklin St., Monroe, NC 28112.

A time for us all to say a final farewell to Vann took place Wednesday, October 7, 2020, between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM in the sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church, 801 S. Hayne St., Monroe, NC 28112.  We are grateful to Central United Methodist Church for allowing this viewing, and look forward to times in the future to gather and visit.

Because of the limitations on the number of people permitted inside of Central United Methodist Church at the time of service, many of us were unable to attend Vann’s funeral in person. The service was recorded, and is displayed below.

Vann was laid to rest at the Monroe City Cemetery, next to his mother and father.  

The Davis family is thankful for your prayers and all the memories shared during this difficult time. Your words and remembrances are welcome at www.davisfuneralservice.com/obituary/Vann-DavisIII. Vann will be remembered by those who truly knew him best and loved him most. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vann (Henry Vann) Davis III, please visit our floral store.