Nannie Mae (Salling) Davis

Nannie Mae Davis, 98, of Kingsport, passed away Friday, July 13, 2018, at Wexford House. On March 21, 1920, in Wood, Va, she became the firstborn of 11 children to the late Orban P. Salling and Maudell (Williams) Salling. Orban Salling, whose first wife had died, also had 3 older children who were Nannie's half siblings, giving them a total of 14 children in the home where Nannie was reared. She was of the Christian faith, confessing Jesus Christ as her Saviour, and attended the Wood Baptist Church when growing up. Being one of the eldest children, Nannie grew up helping in the home and learning how to do all the things necessary to take care of a household; and that became her lifelong occupation. She was married to the late Charles Lester Davis for 62 years and was a wonderful wife and mother whose sole ambition was to care completely for her family. She was a spotless housekeeper, excellent seamstress, and a great cook. Anyone who came to her house was always welcome to sit at the table for a wonderful meal.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Charles Ronald "Ron" Davis (2014); brothers, Rev. Wrightly Salling, Jay Salling, Lonas "Hawk" Salling, Sam Salling; sisters, Beulah Salling (in infancy), Verna Johnson, Georgia Osborne; half-brother, Clyde Salling; and half-sisters, Lottie Williams and Edna Castell.

Nannie is survived by her daughter, Ina Bowers; sons, David E. Davis and wife Shirley of Greeneville, and Don Davis; daughter-in-law, Sandra Davis; grandchildren, Mark Davis, Rhonda Watson, Tracy Begley, Jennifer Bowers; step grandson, Brent Skelton; great-grandchildren, Ben Watson, Amanda Ferrell, Heather Begley, Avery Sims; step-great grandson, Tristan Skelton; great-great grandchildren, Sophie Ferrell, Skyler Dupuis, Sean Michael Dupuis; brother, Lawnial "Red" Salling and wife Sylvia; and sisters, Martha Summey and Eula Gillenwater.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at Holston View Cemetery with Rev. Nick Bailey officiating.

Special thanks to Amedysis Hospice and Wexford House for the excellent care that was given to her.

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