Carole Sheffield Davis

Mrs. Carole S. Davis, age 78, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020 at home in Willacoochee, Georgia surrounded by family and her hospice nurse, Paula Browning, following an extended illness.

A native of Atkinson County, Mrs. Davis was born on February 6, 1942 to Mary Ola Paulk Sheffield and McWilliams Randall (Mack) Sheffield, both deceased. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Don Davis. Mrs. Davis had the opportunity to share 48 years with the love of her life. Most of their married life was spent in Willacoochee, where Don and Carole were both born and then raised two children, Donald and Denise.   She was a member of the Willacoochee United Methodist Church. Don and Carole raised their family on a farm, where Carole worked side by side with Don. In February 1985, Carole began working with Georgia Forestry as a Fire Tower Operator in Kirkland, Georgia. She retired from there in 2004 after 19 years of climbing the 100 ft tall tower twice a day. After retirement, she worked with Don sharing the responsibilities of owning and operating their family restaurant in Tifton, Georgia…Pit Stop Bar-B-Que & Grill. Following Don’s death in October 2008, she continued to own and operate Pit Stop Bar-B-Que with their daughter, Denise D. Straight, until her illness began a few years ago. Although, she was unable to go to the restaurant each day, she and Denise have kept the business a big success. Denise knows her parents are still watching over her as she continues to follow in their footsteps.

Survivors include: One son: Donald O’Neal Davis, Jr., and wife, Janet of Pensacola, Florida; One daughter: Denise Davis Straight and husband, Greg of Tifton and Willacoochee. One brother: Randy Sheffield and wife, Dale of Willachoochee, and two sisters: Debbie EcKard and husband, David of Charleston, SC, and Donna Vickers Dixon and husband, Tommy of Douglas.

Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other family members and friends survive.

A small graveside service was held in her honor on April 30^th, 2020 at The Willacoochee Cemetery. Pastor Bob Ellis officiated and provided a heartfelt service and celebration of the life of Carole S. Davis. A first cousin, Margaret (Peggy) McCranie honored Mrs. Davis with a brief eulogy. Special musical selections included Love Remains and Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone, sung by her nephew, Jay Vickers and his wife Laree. Their daughter, Arlee, also shared in this very special tribute to Aunt Carole. Following the prayer, Carole was laid to rest next to Don. It is believed that they are now in heaven dancing together.

Serving as active pallbearers were: Randy Sheffield, her brother, Dr. Henry Sheffield, and Dr. Clint Sheffield, both nephews, Jim McCranie, a cousin, Jay Vickers, and Dr. Josh Vickers, both nephews.

Serving as honorary pallbearers were the employees of the Pit Stop Bar-B-Que & Grill, dressed in matching black shirts, who came to pay tribute to Mrs. Carole. Despite the social distancing requirements during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the love was felt through those individuals who attended and honored this very special lady.

Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson was in charge of the arrangements. You may offer your condolences thru their online guestbook at www.relihanfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, family has requested that donations be made to Hospice of South Georgia in Valdosta.