Dr. Charles Stewert Davis

Dr. Charles Stewert Davis was born on April 22, 1935, and died peacefully at home with his family by his side on June 3, 2026. In his final days, after suffering a stroke, one of his last statements to his family was, "I want to see Jesus." We celebrate that Charles has now seen his Savior, and his life remains a powerful testimony to the love of God. A man of boundless energy and sacrificial leadership, Charles left behind a legacy of faith and service that profoundly impacted everyone who knew him.

The son of Donald Oliver Davis and Chessel V. Headley Davis, Charles grew up in New Martinsville, West Virginia. As a youth, he worked as a soda jerk in a local drug store. Encouraged by a mentor pharmacist who saw his potential, he pursued pharmacy at West Virginia University. It was there that he met and fell in love with his classmate, Ruth Ann Dixon.

Following their wedding, the couple moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where Charles earned his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from Purdue University, and then a post-doctorate at the University of Virginia. He then returned to teach Organic Chemistry at Purdue University.

After two years of teaching, Dr. Davis began his professional life as a research chemist in the pharmaceutical industry in Norwich, New York. His research led to the creation of Dantrium, a novel drug that is still essential in operating rooms across the United States today. As his career evolved, he was asked to lead clinical trials. He moved his growing family to Syracuse, New York, to earn his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Despite a successful career in "the Ivory Tower" of research, travels to impoverished areas in Mexico and other areas elsewhere, began to tug at his heart, compelling him to use his skills for hands-on ministry.

In 1975, seeking to follow a calling as a missionary physician, Dr. Davis moved to Drakes Branch, Virginia, to develop his clinical tools. While he initially intended to stay only a few years before heading to the foreign mission field, the Lord had other plans. His love for his patients became the cement that solidified his commitment to Charlotte County. He realized that Virginia was to be his mission field all along. He eventually gave up his private practice to establish the Foundation for Christian Medical Care, a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the community for the glory of God. His practice continues to serve the people of Charlotte County today.

Beyond his medical work, Charles was a man of diverse talents. He was an avid woodworker, master gardener, and beekeeper. He served as a Scoutmaster, a deacon, and taught the adult men’s Sunday School class at Drakes Branch Baptist Church for forty-five years. He led medical mission trips to Honduras and St. Lucia and assisted community members with their taxes.

Most of all, he loved the Lord with all his heart and loved his wife, Ruth Ann, faithfully for sixty-nine years. He loved and encouraged his four children to forge their own paths. His life was a testimony to the leadership and grace of Christ.

Dr. Davis is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Dixon Davis; his sister, Elaine Macreno (Fred); his son, Joe Davis (Liz); and daughters, Elizabeth Davis Chodrow (Brian), Jenny Davis Skinner (Ben), and Laura Davis Burdine (Steve). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Noah Davis (Julia), Lydia Hester (Will), Charlie Skinner, Rachel Davis, Audrey Skinner, Luke Skinner, Charlotte Burdine, and Violet Burdine; three great-grandsons: Everett, Joshua, and Thomas Davis; and multiple nieces, nephews, and countless grateful patients. To God be the glory for a life so well-lived.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte County Meals on Wheels, PO Box 486 Keysville, VA, or Drakes Branch Baptist Church, 4525 Main Street, Drakes Branch, VA 23937.