Rachel Davis Obituary

Rachel Pruitt Davis Charleston - Rachel Pruitt Davis, 98, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of J. Hugh Davis, Jr. passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018 surrounded by family at Roper Hospital, Charleston, SC. Her graveside service will be held Friday, December 28, 2018 in Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in J. HENRY STUHR, INC. DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, 232 Calhoun Street. Rachel was born June 17, 1920 to the late Frank Pruitt and Mallie Hanks Pruitt in Anderson, SC. She was a 1939 cum laude graduate of Anderson College, now Anderson University, where she was recently honored with the naming of a conference room for their new Student Center. Rachel came to Charleston after college and was employed as secretary to commanding and executive officers at the US Naval Base. During this time she met James Hugh Davis, Jr. They were married June 22, 1946 in Trinity Methodist Church, Charleston, SC. They left Charleston following World War II so that Hugh could complete work for his degree at the University of Georgia. During this time, Rachel enjoyed working for Dean John E. Drewry in the School of Journalism at the university. Following graduation, they moved to Winston-Salem, NC where their son, James Hugh Davis III was born in May, 1950. Hugh's work promotion took them to Greenville, SC where their daughter, Lee Davis Perry was born in March, 1955. In 1958 they were happy to return to Charleston where they lovingly raised their children in Mt. Pleasant. During this time Rachel worked part time for Matthew B. Barkley, president and owner of Southern Corporation, and then as secretary to Justice Lionel K. Legge, who was retired from the SC Supreme Court. When Hugh founded Davis Warehouse Co., Inc. in 1964, Rachel was by his side contributing her services as needed as secretary and billing clerk. Their son, Hugh III, also was employed by Davis Warehouse from 1973 to 1980. After many years of operating Davis Warehouse, they sold the business and property in the 1980s and began a long and well deserved retirement together. Between visits to their summer home on the Isle of Palms, they began traveling and enjoyed numerous cruises to the Caribbean and Europe accompanied by many good friends and family. After Hugh's death in 2002, she continued to travel with her sister, niece, and daughter to all parts of the globe. Always interested and knowledgeable in the visual arts, she maintained an active membership as a fellow of The Gibbes Museum of Art and the Women's Council of the Carolina Art Association. She also took courses in Art History, European History, Drawing and Painting at the College of Charleston. As a member of The Garden Club of Charleston, she pursued her love of growing flowers and other gardening activities. Rachel was a member of St. Philip's Church and completed many bible study classes to support her faith. She was also a member of The Country Club of Charleston. Her other special interests were The Ladies Benevolent Society and The Confederate Home. She is survived by her son, James Hugh Davis, III (Mary); daughter, Lee Davis Perry (Rhett); four step-grandchildren: Stephanie Puckett, John Allen Puckett, Jr., William R. Perry III and Joseph H. S. Perry; and many dear step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Pruitt Manning. The family would like to thank The Country Club of Charleston staff, Charleston County Emergency Services, and Roper Hospital SICU staff for their exceptional care in her final days. Memorials may be made to Department of Development, Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or the charity of one's choice. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston