Jerry Max Davis

Rocky Mount – Jerry Max Davis, age 89, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025.  Born in Cumberland County, NC on May 15, 1936, he was the son of the late Raymond Gordon Davis and Mamie Mae Hall Davis.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Glenwood Davis, McClellan Hall Davis, Raymond Elwood “Babe” Davis, and Freddie Brewer Davis; and his sisters, Iris Davis Cassidy, Mary Davis Gentry, and Janie Catherine Scherer.

A man of deep commitment to the service of his country, Jerry retired from the United States Air Force following 20 years of dedicated and loyal service as an Air Force Major.  He served his country both domestically and overseas during the Vietnam Conflict flying the U2 spy plane and other aircraft.  On April 26, 1965, at the time then Captain Davis was the 199^th pilot selected to have the privilege of flying a solo mission commanding the U2 “Dragon Lady”.  Following his active-duty service, he transitioned to the Nebraska Air National Guard to finish out his military career.  Additionally, Jerry flew for Trans World Airlines for 20 years after leaving the Air Force.  After hanging up his wings, he became a land surveyor until his retirement in 2015.  In his later years, Jerry was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, the Experimental Aircraft Association, EAA, and the Soaring Society of America.  Aside from flying, he especially enjoyed photography and spending time with his wife and friends.  A devoted and loving husband, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Jerry will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Virginia Dunn Dasher Davis of Rocky Mount; his sister Patsy Davis Deitrich of Robesonia, PA; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery with full military honors.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206 Raleigh, NC 27615, or to the American Cancer Society, 4140 Parklake Ave Suite 515, Raleigh, NC 27612, or to the Duke Cancer Institute, 300 W Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.