John W. Davis

Mr. Davis was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, was a son of the late John Virgil and Stella Morrow Davis, and was married to Barbara Elizabeth Swann Davis, who died in 1979. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Eula Byrd. A printer, he was the owner and operator of Skyland Press.

Mr. Davis was a bluegrass musician who not only performed but also shared his knowledge and encouraged many musicians to continue the bluegrass tradition. He was a member of the Mountain Music Association Hall of Fame at Mars Hill College.

He was also a 32nd degree Master Mason and was Past Master of the West Asheville Lodge No. 665, A.F.&A.M.

Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Jean and Ken Swain of Leicester; three sons, John W. Davis, Jr. and his wife Beth of Fletcher, Randy Davis of Hendersonville, and Mark Virgil and Barbara Davis of Weaverville; a sister, Hazel Swann of Swannanoa, and eight grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 7:30 - 9 pm Saturday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.

Masonic graveside rites will be conducted by the West Asheville Lodge at 2:00 pm Sunday at Ashelawn Gardens. The lodge will open at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Masonic Oxford Orphanage, Rt. 3, Box 34, Oxford, NC 27565.