Tran Nathaniel Davis died at his home in Southampton on May 8. He was 71.
Mr. Davis was born on February 9, 1943 in Currituck County, North Carolina, to Lorenzo and Geneva Davis, both of whom predeceased him. The family relocated to Water Mill in 1945 and Mr. Davis attended Southampton schools, where he excelled in track and field.
In 1968, Mr. Davis married Myrtle Dover, who survives him. Survivors said he was a devoted family man.
Mr. Davis was described as a man with a strong work ethic, sometimes working several jobs to provide for his family. He was last employed at Southampton Hospital, where he worked for 25 years.
A member of the Community Baptist Church in Southampton, he was a senior deacon with the church and led Wednesday night prayer service and taught Sunday school. He regularly prayed for and visited the sick.
Mr. Davis was predeceased by a sister, Diana Madison. He is survived by his children, Perry, Isaac, Keith, Elijah, Damon and Ashley; a brother, Frankie Carl Davis; three sisters, Dorothy Davis, Doris Mitchner and Donna Mack; an aunt, Marceline Birt; an uncle, Winzola Davis; eight grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A wake was held at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton on May 13. A funeral service took place at Community Baptist Church; the Reverend Donald E. Butler officiated. Burial followed at Southampton Cemetery.