L. Medford Davis, 83

SMYRNA - L. Medford Davis, passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, in the Harbor Healthcare Center, Lewes. He was 83. Mr. Davis was born March 31, 1925 in Clayton, the son of the late J. Medford and Mary Ella Thomas Davis. He was a proud lifelong grain and dairy farmer and a USTA Delaware Standard Bred horseman, residing in the area his entire life. Mr. Davis was an accomplished standard bred horse owner, trainer and breeder. In 1968 he started his harness racing career racing at Brandywine, Liberty Bell, Harrington, Rosecroft, Freehold, Freestate, the Meadowlands and Dover Downs. Mr. Davis was active in his community and was a member of the Delaware Farm Bureau, the Smyrna School Board, Asbury United Methodist Church, The United States Trotting Association and was a past president of the Lions Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Nowland Davis; two brothers, George and Carlton Davis; a sister, Catherine Still; a grandson, Jason Durham; and a great-granddaughter, Allison Davis. He is survived by two sons, Medford Davis and his wife Cathy, of Rehoboth Beach, and Ray Davis and his wife Linda, of Clayton; three daughters, Joan Dathe and her husband Bob, of Cedar Knolls, N.J., Susan Durham, of Smyrna, and Gail Mack and her husband Greg, of Lewes; a beloved and devoted sister, Serena Kalar, of Dover; a brother, Irving Davis, of Clayton; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Services will be 12 noon Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009 in Asbury United Methodist Church, 22-24 West Mt. Vernon St., Smyrna, where friends may call one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Smyrna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Mr. Davis' name to Asbury United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 330, Smyrna, DE 19977. Letters of condolence may be sent to www.fariesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium Inc., 29 S. Main St., Smyrna.