Norman Lee Davis peacefully entered eternal rest on January 29, 2026, at his residence in Ladysmith, Virginia. He was born on June 9, 1936, in Balty, Virginia, to the late Norman Lee Davis and Mary Thelma Wright Johnson.

Affectionately known as "Duke" by his family and close friends, Norman was a gentle and soft‑spoken yet confident man, known for his direct nature, warm smile, and no‑nonsense approach to getting things done. His presence brought joy, laughter, and good times to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

At a young age, Norman enlisted in the United States Air Force with his mother's signature—an experience that sparked a lifelong love of aviation. He could often be found sitting near a runway with binoculars in hand, watching planes take off and land. Yet, as much as he loved the skies, Norman's true passion was the water. More than 60 years ago, he purchased his first boat and proudly upgraded over the years, owning nine vessels in total. He was truly known to live on the water.

Norman's grandmother purchased his first car, which he washed and waxed almost daily. Later, he became the proud owner of a black 1967 Chevy Nova, and both the streets and local racing tracks quickly came to know his name. Always dressed to impress, Norman was rarely seen without his Stetson Open Road hat, impeccably clean and sharp— "clean as the board of health," as they would say. This signature style earned him the nickname "Raindrop," smooth and clean.

In and around 1972, Norman, along with two others, founded the Metro Sailors Yacht Club in Washington, D.C. Serving as Commodore, he taught many Black boaters the operations of a vessel and navigation skills well before the era of GPS.

In 1991, Norman retired from the National Institutes of Health, where he served faithfully as an electrician for 30 years. Never one to slow down, any time he wasn't at NIH, he was chauffeuring clients in one of his limousines, taking them wherever they needed to go. He was especially proud of the contracts he held with BET and Stewart Funeral Home. It wasn't until his 80th birthday that Norman finally retired for good.

At the age of 85, Norman made the decision to move from life on the water back to the county where his family resided, choosing to spend his remaining years surrounded by loved ones.

Norman leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Irene Davis; his children, Allen (AJ), Kelly, Juan (JD) and his wife Toneika, and Norman (NL); his grandchildren, Kimberly Lewis and her husband David, Christopher Davis, Shani Lee Jones and her husband Zakir, Sean Richie, Justin Richie, Aaliyah Golden, Noah Kumi, and Nyles Davis; and his greatgrandchildren, Amari Lewis, Ahumun Lee Jones, Ahmii Lee Jones, Kellen Lewis, Desmond Lewis, Ahmir Lee Jones, and Karmyn Lewis.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregiver and cousin, Shaun Johnson, for the love and care shown to him.

Service Information Will Be Announced At A Later Date.