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Wlaf1450Charles Rondal Davis, Sr., son of John and Angeline (Carroll) Davis, was born on May 24, 1951, in New River, Tennessee, was called home to be with the Lord on June 4, 2026, at his residence in Chattanooga, Tennessee after years of battling cancer. At the last breath of air.. He didn’t lose; He won his new glorious body! Charles was of the Baptist Faith, having attended Beech Grove Baptist Church, Shultz Hollow Baptist and others.
Charles lived life to the fullest, sharing his testimony of how Jesus saved him many years ago as he walked along a railroad track. He wasn’t a perfect man, He loved his Mother and rest of family even making mistakes along way, but in the end, he did the best he could. He was a simple man who experienced regrets and sorrows, but also many joyful and memorable times.
As a young man, Charles traveled extensively throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, living a carefree life as a hitchhiking hippie, exploring backroads and interstates during a time when strangers often became friends. He was the 13th of 21 children. Born on New River and delivered by his aunt, who served as a midwife, Charles knew hardship long before it was called poverty. Yet he never viewed his upbringing as a burden. Instead, he embraced life as an adventure and chose happiness and freedom whenever possible.
One of Charles’ greatest passions was drawing variety of sceneries and people to include his work as an artist of trees. Many considered him one of the most talented tree climbers in the profession, swift and fearless as a squirrel as climbing up to the treetops then back down. He could often be found sitting on the highest limb, equipment hanging from his belt, enjoying a cigarette and a Mountain Dew while taking a short break as his brother’s part of his crew cleaned up debris on the ground!
Charles taught himself how to play guitar and write beauty melodies to sing. He loved spending time in the woods hiking and searching for ginseng himself or with either or both of his brothers Johnny and Billy. He loved sports and as an avid basketball player, he enjoyed pickup games in Briceville with friends challenged his opponents many times playing against his brother-in-law Sack’s team. In his endeavors, he made friends along the way from small boy to man, especially his mentor the late J.N. Sharp, who took Charles under his wing during his teenage years.
Charles attended Stoney Fork Elementary and Lake City High School and later joined the United States Marine Corps September 4, 1969. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury during basic training forced him to return home with Honorable Discharge receiving the “National Defense Service Medal”. Throughout his life, he loved traveling, riding Harleys, enjoying the freedom of the open road and adventures that took him to places near and far. He was raised on Beech Fork Mountain, Campbell County; many call Charles a mountain-man that left for fast lane of city life; Briceville, Lake City on to Chicago, or beaches in Florida. He met his wife Vicky in Whiting, Indiana marrying her years later. Charles is the father of 9 Children, 17 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren.
The last two years of Charles’ life were marked by hospital stays and hospice care as he battled cancer. He was deeply affected by the passing of his beloved wife, Vicky, on September 23, 2025. Though heartbroken, he never lost his faith. He remained strong until the end, ready to answer the Lord’s call when Jesus called his name. Through every hardship and every blessing, Charles never lost his faith or hope in Christ.
Eleven days before his passing, several family members gathered with him to celebrate his 75th birthday on May 24, 2026. Now, we can say Charles celebrated his Heavenly birthday on June 4, 2026. The testimony he leaves behind is simple and clear: He was not perfect but he loved his Jesus, always talking about his children asking for prayers for them and all grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his siblings, and loved ones to seek Christ, be saved, and one day join him in Heaven.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Vicky Lynn (Estep) Davis; his parents, John and Angeline (Carroll) Davis; his in-laws, Cecil Raymond and Beverly Y. (Moore) Estep; his son, Jonnathan Neil Shukites Davis; his great-granddaughters Alice Grace Showalter and Isla Elaine McGuire, his special loved ones, Patricia “Patty” Engle and Paula Pointer Burris.
He was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: James and Laura (Davis) Foley, Kenneth and Louise (Davis) Nance, James Edward and Corrie (Foust) Davis, Donald and Mary (Davis) Lee, Charles and Lottie (Davis) McGhee, Frank and Nancy (Davis) Higdon, James Edward and Viner Jane (Davis) Harness, Robbie Davis, Shermie Ann Davis, and Jerry Wayne Davis, his brother-in-law, Eugene D. Lipkovitch, and sister-in-law, Diane (Kornfal) Estep.
Those left to cherish his memory include:
Sons: Charles “Charlie” “Chuck-C1” (Adrienne) Engle of Joplin, Missouri; Cecil Ray Davis of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Johnathon Lewis Burris of Clinton, Tennessee; and Charles R. Davis, Jr. “Bud Bud / CJ” (Andrea) of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Daughters: Cynthia Marie “Cindy” Dulen of Indiana; Nicole “Nikki” Engle (George Allen) Guy of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Barbara Jean Davis of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Sarah Elizabeth Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter-in-law Melissa Shukites Wilson of Clinton, Tennessee.
Grandsons: Colton Robert Owen Keith; Andrew “Drew” Shukites Wilson of Clinton, Tennessee; David Anthony (Kasey) Dulin of Indiana; Steven Ray Dulin of Indiana; Nathan Paul Dulin of Indiana; Cole Drymon of Hixson, Tennessee; Daimon Drymon of Hixson, Tennessee; and twins; Kanin and Lucas Davis of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Granddaughters: Alice Grace (Corbin) Showalter of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Nakayla Nicole Roland of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Emersyn Engle of Joplin, Missouri; Alexandria Engle of Joplin, Missouri; Ceria Davis; Melody Hope Drymon of Hoover, Alabama; and Autumn R. Davis of Hixson, Tennessee.
Great-Grandsons: Noah Dulin, Killian Dulin, Jensen Dulin, Nathan Leo Showalter, and Rayland Charles Roland.
Great-Granddaughters: Jocelyn Dulin, Vivian Grace Showalter, and Cahaya Cove Drymon.
Brothers: Ransom J. (Evelyn) Davis of Harriman, Tennessee; Benny Lee Davis of Clinton, Tennessee; Billy Davis of Clinton, Tennessee; Johnny Davis of Clinton, Tennessee; and Terry Davis of Caryville, Tennessee.
Sisters: Emma Davis Norris of Crossville, Tennessee; Virda Maya Davis of Taylor, Texas; and Shirley (Jim) Childs of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Brother-in-law: Joseph Estep of Indiana.
Sister-in-law: Barbara J. Estep Lipkovitch of Indiana.
Special loved ones include Margaret T. Pivovarnik-Hunt.
A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members, and dear friends, including
Pallbearers:
Sons: Cecil Ray Davis and Charles Rondal Davis, Jr,
Grandsons: Cole Drymon, Daimon Drymon, and twins Kanin and Lucas Davis
Brothers: Ransom J. Davis, Benny Davis, Billy Davis, Johnny Davis, and Terry Davis
Friends: Shannon Ragel and Devon Reed
Honorary Pallbearers: Alvin McGhee, Travis Jacks, Christopher Smith
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Pastor Preston W. Brown for conducting Charles’s service.
All Charles’ family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Hospice staff of Erlanger Hospital and Park Ridge Hospital both of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Welcome Home of Chattanooga, especially Alexis Loudenslager, the director of social services, and Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga…. for their kindness and compassionate care during his sickness. Special appreciation is given to his daughter-in-law, Andrea, for the loving care she provided for the months leading up to his final day. May Father God blesses all of Charles’ caregivers.
The family would also like to offer special recognition and gratitude to Hatmaker Funeral Home—Stan, Britney & Tyler Owens, and the entire staff—for going above and beyond in caring for their beloved son, brother, cousin, father, grandfather, and friend.
May Father God blesses each of you.
Visitation: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Friday, June 12, 2026 at the Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City.
Funeral Service: 3:00 PM, Friday, June 12, 2026 in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Preston W. Brown officiating.
A Graveside Service will be held following the funeral service at the Circle Cemetery in Briceville, Tennessee with Military Honors presented by the Honor Guard of Campbell County.
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