Robert "Steve" Davis, a native of Haywood County, passed away March 21 leaving a legacy of family, integrity, and service to Western North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Madison Davis, his mother, Maudie Buchanan Davis, and his sister, Linda Davis Laws.

Steve graduated from Waynesville Township High School in 1966 where he was an outstanding athlete playing football and basketball. He was on the 1964 football team that won the 3A Western Regional Championship by defeating Chapel Hill High School 20 to 13 in Kenan Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. He was the starting quarterback on the 1965 football team, and he led the team to the 3A state playoffs. He went on to graduate from Western Carolina University in 1970.

After graduating from Western Carolina University, he and his wife Carolyn started General Insurance Services Inc. in 1975 in Waynesville. He built General Insurance Services Inc. into one of the largest independent agencies in Western North Carolina, with offices in Waynesville, Sylva, and Canton. His son Raife established and runs his own General Insurance Services of Asheville, Inc. in three locations across Buncombe and Madison Counties. His grandson Navy Shuler owns and operates General Insurance Services Inc. of Tennessee, in Knoxville. His grandson, Locke Davis, received a Risk Management and Insurance degree at Ole Miss and works as an underwriter for Burns and Wilcox in Charlotte, NC

As a successful businessman Steve never forgot where he came from, helping those less fortunate than himself. He quietly offered job opportunities, made home loans and business loans to those who couldn't otherwise qualify and contributed to many charitable causes. His kindness will be sorely missed.

Steve was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and loved riding horses. He made several trips out west to hunt and fish with family and friends as well as traveling to South America on hunting trips. He was a big supporter of Tuscola High School Football and along with Carolyn, helped build the Tuscola High School Activities Committee into a very successful fundraising organization. He also coached his daughters little league softball team and coached many years with Lake Junaluska little league football including when his son played. But most of all, he loved spending time with his friends and family and especially his grandchildren. It brought him so much joy to watch his grandchildren grow and he loved to watch them play football and dance.

Steve will always be known and remembered for his character, fairness, and mentorship, he leaves a lasting impact on his community and generations of business leaders.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carolyn Haney Davis; his son Raife Davis (Melinda) of Clyde NC; his daughter Nikol Davis Shuler (Heath) of Knoxville TN; his brother Judge Danny E. Davis (Ann) of Waynesville NC; grandchildren Lidia Davis Clinger (Austin) of Charlotte NC; Macey Davis Tanjuatco (Trey) of Atlanta GA; Locke Davis of Charlotte NC; Navy Shuler of Knoxville TN; and Island Shuler of Knoxville TN; nieces Angela Laws of Hickory NC; Annette Laws Wilson (Robert) of Hickory NC; Patience Davis Mitchell (Grant) of Charlotte NC; and nephew Madison Davis (Becca) and great nephew Hudson Davis of Asheville NC.

Thank you to Four Seasons Hospice Care.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Haywood Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 283, Waynesville, NC 28786

The care of Mr. Davis has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.