Obituary of Lawrence G. Davis Sr.

Lawrence G. Davis Sr., 78, of Elmira, passed away on Friday evening, December 22, 2023 at the home of his sister in Woodhull due to failing health. Born in Woodhull on June 14, 1945, Lawrence was the son of the late Gerald R. and Mary L. (Thomas) Davis. Raised in Woodhull, he was a 1964 graduate of Woodhull High School. Lawrence was a proud US Army veteran serving from 1966 to 1968, including a tour of combat in Vietnam. After leaving the military, Lawrence attended Wanakena Ranger School (now SUNY ESF Ranger School) in Wanakena, NY. He worked as a New York State Forest Ranger in the early 1970’s before changing to a career with Dalrymple Construction. He initially was a heavy equipment operator and transitioned to a land surveyor for their road and airport construction business. He retired after 44 years with Dalrymple to care for his ailing wife, Shirley Austin Davis who he had married on August 3, 1974. Shirley passed away on October 16, 2009. After Shirley’s passing he joined the Foster Grandparents Program through BOCES at Coopers Plains, NY in the building trades class. During his wife Shirley’s final days of care, Lawrence became greatly influenced by the wonderful services provided by hospice care. He became a dedicated volunteer for Southern Tier Hospice which later became Care First Hospice. He assisted with physical as well as spiritual care of patients under the care of hospice. He found this to be very rewarding and fulfilling. Lawrence later married Trina L. Sherlock on June 14, 2014. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Colleen (Steve) Almond of Hornell, Lawrence (Lisa) Davis Jr. of Rolla, Missouri and Crystal (Larry Payne) Davis of Elmira, his grandchildren, Kevin, Breanna and Ashley Johnson, Kimberly Koch, Haven and Cullen Sutton, his great granddaughters, Kendall and Ellie Koch, his siblings, Shirley Brutsman of Greenwood, Calvin Davis of Woodhull and Kathy (Ken) Knowles Jr. of Woodhull and several nieces, nephews and cousins, particularly special cousins, Ted and Lori Thomas. Also surviving is his close friend Irma Mazzarese. Friends may call on Saturday, December 30 from 1 to 3 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St Woodhull, NY. Services will follow there at 3 pm with Rev. Jamey Miller officiating. Burial will be in Woodhull Cemetery.