Hoyte Gray 'Jake' Davis

Hoyte Gray 'Jake' Davis was born in the Iconium community of Cannon County July 23, 1925, to George Washington and Angie Manus Davis. He lived his entire life in Cannon County.

Early in life he was plagued with sickness and accidents which prevented him from going into the military, so he took a job with the Tullahoma project and transported fellow employees, from Cannon County to work there. Then he worked for a while with the Oak Ridge project, but after being away from home for a short time he returned home. Working with wood was in his blood; as his entire family, for generations, had been basket and chair makers. Over the years he continued to work with various companies, but he was always thinking about and planning to have his own 'shop.' He thoroughly enjoyed his later years of involvement in many craft fair demonstrations, participation in the White Oak country events and his work with the Arts Center.

He was proud of his trade and has left remembrances in many homes with the handmade articles that he has crafted over the years. After his chair making days, he made many rolling pins and toy bats. Jake was the last of his siblings, so this ends his generation of chair makers. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday July 16, 2015.

On March 20, 1944 he married Miss Minnie Ruth Jones and they enjoyed 71 years of married life together. As long as their health allowed, usually they were together; whether it was working in the shop, craft exhibits or camping and visiting with friends, if you saw one the other one was pretty close. They especially enjoyed their family and Church family at Leoni and all the special events hosted by the congregation.

In addition to Mrs. Minnie Ruth Davis he is survived by three daughters: Brenda (Richard) Bowman, Cathy (Ted) Smith, and Agnes (Bruce) Jones. Surviving are also six grand-children: Brian (Marla) Bowman, Lisa Reed, Randy (Melissa) Smith, Clint Jones, Daniel (Amy) Jones and Ben (Kate) Jones. He is also survived by eight great grand-children: Zack and Alex Davenport, Samantha and Lydia Bowman, Kiersten Smith, Jackson, Elizabeth, and Luke Jones. Also surviving is a sister-in-law Lois Davis and a brother-in-law Eddie (Peggy) Tubb, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Josie Ann (J.L.) Jones, Mary (Charles) Mooneyham, and Stella Mae (Homer) McBroom. Brothers: Thomas 'N' (Mary) Davis, William 'Bill' (Ida Pearl) Davis, and Lonnie 'Don' Davis, as well as half sisters Myrtle Davis, Ora Lee Thomas, Opal Davis and White Prater. Half brothers: Dewey Davis and Fred 'Bud' Davis and grandson-in-law David Reed.

Visitation with the family will be Sunday July 19, 2015 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and Monday 10:00 AM until time of services at 2:00 PM at the Woodbury Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in the Leoni Cemetery, officiating will be Garland Robinson and Richard Bowman. In lieu of flowers, some favorite charities are: The Leoni Cemetery Fund, Disabled American Veterans or St. Judes.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net