Raymond Herbert Davis

Raymond Herbert Davis, lost his battle with Leukemia, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. Born May 2, 1933, he was the son of the late Ira Ray Davis and Nellie Wimbrow Davis. He was the beloved husband of Nona Davis, his wife of 25 years. Ray’s wish was to be remembered as a radio broadcaster, and in keeping with those wishes, WAMU’s Bluegrass Country will honor him by rebroadcasting his shows each morning, from 7-10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 8 to Friday, Dec. 12. Throughout the course of his career, Ray built a reputation as a broadcaster with a deep, encyclopedic knowledge of the music and artists he played. His career began at the age of 15 at WDOV-AM in Dover, Del. For 38 years, he hosted a popular bluegrass program from WBMD in Baltimore. Ray also did short stints working at small-town stations across the country and at XERF, in Mexico, where he learned to be a radio pitchman. Those skills were put to use raising money to sustain bluegrass and other programming on WAMU in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Ray helped build the station’s financial foundation. He retired on Sept. 30, 2013. His distinguished broadcasting career spanned 65 years. Surviving in addition to his wife are children and their spouses: Ray and Sandra Davis of Silver Spring, MD, Duane Davis of New Freedom, PA, Jimmy Davis of Spring Grove, PA, Susan Fidler of Bel Air, MD, Cheryl Avila of Gettysburg, PA, Martha Riddell of Miami, FL and Melanie and Frank Sita of Fredericksburg, VA; step-children and their spouses: Harry Alimo, Rocco and Dawn Alimo, Theresa Gorsuch of Ocean City, MD and ReEtta and Richard Peterson all of Cape May, NJ; siblings and their spouses: Robert and Grace Davis of Wango, MD, Donald and Joan Davis and Margaret Onley all of Salisbury, MD. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Raymond Davis and siblings: Frances Taylor, Alfred, Harry and Marion Davis. Nona, Ray’s beloved wife, has asked to let his friends and listeners know they are invited to all events honoring Ray’s legacy. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM and Tuesday from 10 to 11 AM at the Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville where a service will be held on Tuesday at 11 AM. Interment will follow in Mt. View Cemetery, Marriottsville, MD.

Raymond Herbert Davis

May 2, 1933 - December 3, 2014