Massie Rayburn Davis

Massie Rayburn Davis, age 87, passed away peacefully December 8, 2022 following a brief illness at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Massie was the son of the late John Barkley Davis and Hattie Ora Brown Davis of Columbia, Tennessee, and the youngest of twelve. Growing up on a farm out the Old Bear Creek Pike where family, work and play came one after another and later (near 11 years old) moving into town becoming a bicycle delivery paperboy for The Daily Herald was all so storybook. He would graduate from Central High School and marry his High School Sweetheart, Doris Nell Bishop.

A long time resident of Columbia, Tennessee save for the four years of honorable service in the United States Air Force, Massie made a career with Shea Chemical that would become Hooker Chemical and then later Occidental Chemical. He was Foreman of Instrumentation and Electrical Maintenance and his experience and expertise became well known and would subsequently lead to contract work in retirement. He was known and loved for always being there for family, church, work and friends — and his love for Old Westerns and another round of golf.

Including parents, Massie was preceded in death by his beloved brothers and sisters — Brownie Mae, Mildred Elaine, Sally Madeline, Louie Thomas, Johnie Milton, Bonnie Idella, Glenna Ann, Hattie Lois and Mary Ruth.

Along with his beloved Doris Nell, together for 68 years, he is survived by his brother Aubrey Davis of Columbia, Tennessee and his two sons — John Luther (Carol) Davis of Nashville, Tennessee and William Alan (Anne) Davis of Columbia, Tennessee as well as five grandchildren — John Lawrence (Thankful) Davis and William Alexander (Kelsey) Davis all of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Massie Bond (Anthea) Davis of Bergen, Norway, Lucy Margaret (Dillon) Bert of Cookeville, Tennessee, Alan Bishop Davis of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and four great grandchildren — Marion Light Davis, John Levi Davis, Ford Alexander Davis and Hadley Bond Davis.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made on behalf of Mr. Davis to Craft Memorial United Methodist Church, Columbia, Tennessee.

A service for Massie will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to the start of the service at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. Massie will be laid to rest Jones Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com