CENTERBURG – Johnny Ralph McDavid, 81, of Centerburg, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, in the companionship of his sons. He was born to the late Elva and Bessie (Bush) McDavid on Nov. 3, 1940, in Grayson, KY. John graduated from Hartford High School, Croton, Class of 1959. He was married to Jeanne Judith “Judy” (Nease) McDavid on June 11, 1961.
John was the owner of McDavid Landscaping Business that he operated out of his homestead for many years. He loved the beauty of nature, especially trees and flowers; even when traveling he enjoyed finding new species of plants and trees. John could tell you the name of any tree or flower. John’s most favorite spot was the woods behind his house, (“Papa’s Woods”), where he made a trail for each grandson complete with their own street sign. He will be remembered as a hard-working, organized individual and volunteer, a dedicated family man and a generous and benevolent friend to all. John had a gift for public speaking, leadership and quietly filling any needs he recognized. His lifetime achievements were many over the years, including: Porter Township Trustee, First Federal Board of Directors, (most recently serving as Chairman of the Board), Ohio Fair Managers Association (Hall of Fame), Manager of the Hartford Independent Fair (his grandsons named it “Papa’s Fair,” PERI (Public Employee Retirees, Inc.), Centerburg School Board Member, Young at Heart, Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, United Methodist Church Steward, and President of the Board of Directors Senior Citizens, Inc. of Delaware County.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, J. Judy McDavid; brothers, Glen and Jim McDavid.
John is survived by devoted sons and daughters-in-law, John Bradley “Brad” and Janie McDavid of Seattle, WA, Todd and April McDavid of Westerville, OH; half-brother, Elvie and Brenda McDavid of Grayson, KY; grandsons, (who affectionately called him “Papa”), Sawyer, Tanner and Skylar McDavid; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a treasure trove of friends. John really did not know a stranger.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Hartford Fairgrounds/Babcock Building, 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Hartford, OH 43013. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Centerburg United Methodist Church, 65 S. Hartford Road, Centerburg. Pastors Matt Skelton and Elmer Ball officiating. Interment Eastview Cemetery, Centerburg.
If you so desire the McDavid family requests that you plant a tree, take a walk in a park or donate to ProMedica Hospice Memorial Fund, 6300 Busch Blvd., Ste 21 C, Columbus, OH 43229, (promedica.foundation@promedica.org) in John’s memory.
In conclusion the McDavid family would like to acknowledge that John was the kind of person that left the world more beautiful than he found it.
The DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the McDavid family. Please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com to share a memory or condolence with John’s family.
