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Dennis "Dennie" E. Davis, age 82, of Ellenboro, West Virginia, departed this life at his home, Friday, April 18, 2025, after an extended illness, with his loving wife and daughter by his side.
Dennis was born March 25, 1943, in Ellenboro, WV, the son of the late Alex "Bud" Davis and Hester Ellen Dennis Davis (later Francis). He was a 1961 graduate of Pennsboro High School. After high school, Dennis worked at Ravens Metal, where he gained valuable welding and fabrication skills that he used throughout his life. He later worked alongside his stepfather, Bob Francis, driving trucks, until he was employed by Chemical Leaman Tank Lines in Friendly, WV. During his time with Chemical Leaman Tank Lines, Dennis was honored with an award for driving one million miles without an accident. He remained there until his retirement in 2000.
Dennis met the love of his life, Carole Sue Locke, in high school and they remained married for 63 years. Together, they built a life full of love, hard work, and deep devotion to one another. Their marriage was a true partnership and an inspiration to all who knew them. Carole remained lovingly by Dennis's side throughout his illness, a constant source of strength, care and comfort.
Dennis enjoyed building and creating, and over the years, he crafted furniture and countless other items. His knowledge and ingenuity of natural gas processes led him to speak before the West Virginia Legislature, explaining how natural gas could easily power motor vehicles. Those concepts were later implemented by the State of WV in its fleet. Dennis was also recognized for his skills in rebuilding vintage oil and gas engines. After retirement, he and his good friend, Sam Haynes, constructed a bandsaw mill which Dennis would take to various locations. The machine took on the name "Stupid Sawmill" after his wife became aggravated with the number of hours it took to build. Dennis enjoyed spending time outdoors and hunting.
Dennis was a member of the Cairo Masonic Lodge #114 AF & AM, and the Ellenboro Chapter #20 Order of the Eastern Star, both for over 50 years. He was a longtime member of the Cloverdale Church of Christ where he taught adult classes for many years.
Dennis is survived by his wife Carole, and his daughter, Julie Davis, both of Ellenboro, WV; three brothers, Bruce Davis, West Newfield, Maine, John (Pat) Kiggins, Ellenboro, WV, and Jesse Lee (Eileen) Davis, Bridgeport, WV; two sisters Roberta (Lee) Schlesinger, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania and Tammy (JD) Keough, Bridgeport, WV; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by one daughter, Lisa Marie Davis, one sister, Joyce Davis and his grandparents, John and Mary Dennis.
Dennis will be remembered for his steady presence, generous heart, and the countless ways he quietly gave of himself to his family, friends and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he shared. Dennis will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The Davis family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Housecalls Hospice for their compassionate care, as well as to all those who offered their support during Dennis' illness.
A graveside service to honor Dennis's life will be held at the Ellenboro Masonic Cemetery, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with the Evangelist Dave Williamson officiating. Raiguel Funeral Home has been honored to assist the Davis family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mcculloughraiguel.com.