Robert was born and died in Grayson County, VA. He graduated from Galax High School in 1937. He worked at the First National Bank before entering the U.S. Army for service in Europe during World War II. After the war, he went into the grocery and gas station business with his father in the Fairview community.

During his life his business career and community service included Winesett Furniture, the Dairy Bar drive-in restaurant, Hub restaurant and Rose Lane Restaurant. He also worked in positions with McCann Motor Company, Galax Merchantile and Mid-Tower Motel and Restaurant. His final business was as co-owner of the Rose Lane Motel and Resaurant.

Robert was active in the Galax Chamber of Commerce, the Galax Jaycees and the Kiwanis Club. He was a long time member of U.C.T. and the Loyal Order of Moose. He was very active and served in many leadership positions. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Galax.

Robert was a Master Mason with the Oldtown Lodge. He also held the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rites of Freemasonry and was a Schriner with the Kazim Temple in Roanoke and a member of the Grayson-Carroll Shrine Club.

Robert and Virginia's children are:
1. Robert Davis Jr. (Dec-1941) and
2. Dennis Paul.