Royce Davis, of the Union Grove community, died of natural causes Monday morning at his home.

Davis, 64, was a lifelong native of Chilton County and served his community in many ways. He was known throughout the county and leaves behind many family members and friends.

“He was like a brother to me,” said Allen Caton, Davis’ brother in-law. “You couldn’t ask for a better person. He would do anything in the world for anybody.”

Davis graduated from Jemison High School and was elected president of his class. He was married to Joy Lynn “Penny” Davis.

For many years, Davis worked at LaFarge, a lime plant in Calera. After retirement, he became involved in the real estate business and worked for several local real estate agencies, most recently Real Estate Associates. He was also the owner and broker of Davis Realty.

The Chilton County Commission had hired Davis to oversee the National Flood Insurance Program in Chilton County.

Davis served in the Clanton Kiwanis Club, the Habitat for Humanity of Chilton County Board of Directors and the Masons.

“Royce was always willing to help in the activities of the club,” fellow Kiwanian Maurice Lyn said. “By my recollection, he was always at the fairgrounds on cleanup days before and after the fair. Royce worked more than his share of duty in the ticket booths at the fair each year. Royce always extended a hand in friendship and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.”

David and Teresa Newton, who worked alongside Davis as real estate agents, also knew him as a close friend.

“He was a special man,” Teresa Newton said. “I feel like he was one of my family.”

Davis was a devoted Christian and an ordained deacon. He attended Burning Bush Church in Union Grove.

While he took his work and community service seriously, those close to Davis knew him for his sense of humor.

“He was a character,” Caton said. “He liked to play practical jokes. That was a side of him not everybody knew.”

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Services will be held Wednesday, April 29 at 11 a.m. at Burning Bush Church with the Rev. Wade Adkins and the Rev. Clark Thompson officiating.

Interment will follow in Union Grove Community Cemetery, Jemison. Martin Funeral Home is handling arrangements.