Thomas Neal Ivey Davis, Jr.,  age 81, of Selma, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Tom was the son of the late Tom I. and Janet T. Davis, longtime publishers of The Johnstonian-Sun, Selma’s weekly newspaper. He was preceded in death by his son, Charlie Crocker, and his beloved companion, Sandy, who could be found perched in his chair every morning.

A graduate of Selma High School, Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College and a Master of Education degree from East Carolina University. At Wesleyan, he was a member of the inaugural intercollegiate basketball team and served as news editor of the campus newspaper.

Tom devoted his career to public education in North Carolina. He served as a teacher and coach at North Johnston High School; assistant principal at Ralph L. Fike High School in Wilson; principal at Saratoga Central High School and Eastern Randolph Senior High School; and associate and deputy superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools. During his tenure with Johnston County Schools, he supervised more than $300 million in school construction and renovation projects. He retired in 2000.

Tom will be remembered for his love of North Carolina, Wake Forest University, the Democratic Party, and, above all, his family. A steady presence, he was always ready to listen and plan the next family gathering. He enjoyed traveling with Carolyn, watching football and basketball, and spending time at the Bay River.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lynch Davis of Selma; daughters, Jennie Rebecca Davis of Durham and Elizabeth Sullivan (Chris); brother, Mike Davis (Alice Garland) of Raleigh; nephews, Michael T. W. Davis (Megan) of Cary and Matthew B. Davis (Rachel) of Wilmington; niece, Whitney G. Swink (Micah) of Raleigh; two grandnephews and a grandniece; grandchildren, Dillon Crocker (Amber), Samantha Crocker, Austin Sullivan (Sydney), and Colby Sullivan (Kalli); and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Selma Civic Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Johnston County, 701 N. Raleigh Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27610, or the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.