The Bishop Raymond Fox Davis: A Life of Faith, Perseverance, and Legacy  

 

Bishop Raymond Fox Davis was born on March 15, 1921 in Marion County, Marion, South Carolina, to the late John and Ivra Davis. His parents and siblings all preceded him in death.  

 

In the late 1930s, Bishop Davis married Reather Bell Graham Davis. Together, they had five children: Rosetta Bettie Davis Clements, Delores Davis, Mildred R. Butler, Jeremiah Davis, and Sylvia Davis. On April 12, 1952, his wife Reather passed away after a brief illness. 

 

After Reather’s passing, Bishop Davis met and married the late Iolar Burch Davis. To this union they were blessed with one son, Raymond Davis Jr.  Both Iolar and Raymond Jr. preceded Bishop Davis in death.  

 

- Early Education and Career  

Bishop Davis was educated in the public schools of Marion County. A lifelong learner, he later pursued correspondence courses in business and law, becoming a self-made man. Residing in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, he worked diligently to provide for his family. He was employed as a welder at Sunship Dry Dock in Chester, PA, and later at the Dress Beef Company in Philadelphia, PA.  

 

- His Call to Ministry  

In 1943, Bishop Davis gave his heart and life to the Lord Jesus, was baptized, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. This was a pivotal moment that transformed his life. Under the pastoral care of the late Elder Melvin Robinson in Philadelphia, PA, he became a skillful and attentive reader of God’s Word. By 1946, he had embraced his calling to ministry.  

 

His ministry began humbly, with his first church established in the bedroom of his sister, the late Mother E.D. Johnson, who initially was the one who introduced him to the word of the Lord Jesus, and the Apostolic doctrine. This small but sacred space would become the foundation for what would later grow into a large christian church organization.  

 

Between 1947 and 1948, Bishop Davis expanded his ministry by traveling back and forth to Marion, SC, spreading the apostolic doctrine. His passionate preaching drew large crowds, to the point that the homes of his followers who would host the services soon became too small to accomodate them.  He baptized many in the magnificent Pee Dee River of SC, and the Ellerbe Heights Pond of Marion County SC, where spectators moved by his fervent teachings soon joined in the faith.  

 

On December 24, 1950, Bishop Davis officially established the headquarters of The Highway Churches of Christ in a former garage, which had once been the first Black movie theater in Marion SC. Despite financial challenges, the faith and determination of the congregation propelled the mission forward, laying the foundation for what would become a far-reaching ministry.  

 

- Legacy of Building and Leadership  

Bishop Davis was a trailblazer, building 15 churches from the ground over his lifetime. His ministry touched countless lives, bringing many to salvation and inspiring generations to follow his teachings.  

 

- A Fighter to the End  

During the beginning phases of his ministry, when segregation was in its glory, Bishop Davis endured many hardships. Financial struggles, family illnesses, and opposition from critics tested his resolve. Yet, he remained steadfast, teaching his children and followers to never give up. Despite attempts on his life, he persevered, motivated by his unwavering faith in God.  

 

He faced personal battles, including a near-fatal fire in 1988 in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as cancer and heart failure. Yet, he found strength in grace and courage, reassured by the still, soft voice of God that reminded him, “This is what you do for the Gospel’s sake.”  

 

- The Businessman and Community Facilitator

Naming just a few of his accomplishments, Bishop Davis owned the Davis Funeral Home of Marion SC; Purchased WJAY/WBTW 1280 AM 98.3 FM Broadcasting Station of Marion/Mullins SC; Owned the Marion Bus Station for booking services with Southeastern Stages Bus Company; Daviston Subdivision of Marion SC was named in his honor.

 

Quietly, on the morning of October 19, 2017, Bishop Raymond Fox Davis passed away and went home to be with the Lord. He now rests in His bosom, awaiting the resurrection morning.  

 

- A Legacy That Lives On  

Bishop Davis was a fighter to the very end, dedicated to his family, his faith, and the mission entrusted to him. His life and work remain a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and service to God.  

 

In 2018 in honor of his remarkable legacy, his grandson, Elder Christopher Clements, founded the Bishop R.F. Davis Foundation Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and continuing some of the extraordinary work initiated by Bishop Davis.  

 

Bishop Davis’ legacy as a father, minister, and trailblazer will live on through the lives he touched and the churches he built. His influence continues to inspire faith and resilience in all who remember his name.