John Richard Davis went to Heaven the morning of February 9, 2009. John was the Director of Planning for Rutherford County from April, 1996 until November, 2007. He loved his work in Rutherford County and the wonderful staff he worked with. He only retired as he was disabled by kidney failure. The stroke he experienced in June, 2008, brought on a series of illnesses that kept him in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities for all except three weeks of the past months. John was an active member of Fellowship United Methodist Church since its days of meeting in the cafeteria at Oakland High School. He served on the Angel Food Committee cooking food for the sick and bereaved. He served as head of the Board of Trustees. He taught a Sunday school class for teenagers. He had a zest for learning that took him to many bible studies. He loved being with other Christian people, and had a vigorous amen to share during a particularly moving part of the sermon. He had a rapport with the young men of the church that enriched his life. John leaves behind his wife of fourteen years, Teddy; his two children, Tricia Davis, of Savannah, GA, and Chris Davis, of Winterville, GA; his two step-children, Paul Jones (Kathy), of Jackson, TN, and Melissa McLaughlin (Ed), of Dyersburg, TN. He leaves his mother, Emily Davis, of Bolivar, TN, and his brother, Don Davis (Elizabeth), also of Bolivar, TN. He leaves two sisters, Nanci Perilloux (Charles), of Orange Park, FL, and Darla Maynard (Bill), of Shawnee, KS. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Phil Jones (Brandi), Chris Jones (Laura), and Kyle Jones, all of Jackson, TN. Two young grandchildren, Jake McLaughlin and Sarah McLaughlin, of Dyersburg, will miss their Papa very much. Numerous nieces and nephews will miss Uncle John greatly. John served with the U.S.Army in Vietnam, where he was injured when his military transport hit four mines. He was more concerned about the death of his scout dog than his own injuries. He earned several medals, including the purple heart. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, February 12, from 4-8 p.m. at Fellowship United Methodist Church on Highway 99, in Murfreesboro. The memorial service will be the next day, Friday, February 13, at 10 a.m., also at Fellowship United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Morris officiating. Following the service, the interment will take place at Highland Memorial Gardens, Jackson, TN. A military ceremony will precede the interment at 3 p.m. at the cemetery. Those who would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers are requested to donate to Fellowship United Methodist Church in the name of John R. Davis. Woodfin Memorial Chapel 615-893-5151 www.woodfinchapel.com